Happy Father's Day Q&A On Dad... & Daddy.
Photos: @thedaddyfashionstylist
Celebrating the #1 Dad on Father's Day is one thing— but what if you were you given two of a kind? Dad & Daddy. That is the story of four-and-a-half year old Harlow.
“Some families have one mom, and one dad. Other families have two moms. Some have one mom, or one dad. Our family happens to be made up of two daddies. We are just like every other family.”
And like "every other family" they may be, but, there's something a little extraordinary about Harlow. Her fairytale story dates back 102 weeks with the first post depicting a young Harlow in a blue pima cotton pullover, white tulle skirt, and ribbed beanie sitting on top of golden blonde shoulder-length locks (no caption on the photo).
The rest as they say: is history.
Harlow 102 weeks ago as of 6/2015.
Harlow's fashion feed
When it came time to sit at the round table to discuss our June Q&A, we knew he had to be one capable of carrying the title: #1 Dad (& Daddy).
Dad, Harlow, Daddy.
& so it is...
We sat with Pete, one-half father to Harlow. What we wanted to know was furthermore than Harlow's story of style; we wanted to know what it's like to have such special story to share.
Harlow biting the donut, just like her Daddy taught her.
The Q&A: Pete, @thedaddyfashionstylist
pP: What prompted you start the @thedaddyfashionstylist account?
P: I found my way to Instagram a couple years ago. Not knowing much about the platform, I thought it would be a great place to document, 1. My love for Harlow, and 2. My love of fashion. I am still so surprised and always so thankful, that so many other have taken interest in our journey.
pP: What does "Father's Day" look like at Harlow's house?
P: Harlow has two daddies, so it's literally, always Father's Day, at our house. To celebrate the holiday, we will spend our morning exchanging gifts between dad & daddy, which we have each taken time to make for each other with Harlow. We'll have a nice afternoon lunch together, and spend the rest of the day enjoying each others company. And if Harlow has it her way, which, if we're being honest, she always does, we may end up walking the isles of her favourite toy store. And, we wouldn't have it any other way.
pP: If Harlow & Daddy don't see eye to eye on an outfit choice, who has final say?
P: At 4.5 I surely thought Harlow would have an opinion, if not be fully in charge of her wardrobe selctections. Thankfully (for me), that hasn't been the case. She is 99% happy with me picking her clothes. The other 1% of the time, because it's so infrequent, if there is something other than what I've selected that she'd rather wear, I let her.
pP: We know your on-going battle with biting into the donut, do you ever think about borrowing from Harlow to complete your look?
P: Haha!! Do you mean - as in…borrowing clothing for myself, from Harlow's wardrobe? Even if I wanted to, her clothes would never fit. Even more reason to bring on the donuts.
pP: You've addressed same-sex parenting and shared personal experiences with bullying. How does Harlow advocate her unique story in school and social settings?
P: I was bullied and taunted all throughout Jr High and High School. It was hard. Those were some of the worst years of my life. However, as odd as it may sound, I wouldn't change my past for anything. I learned so much from those experiences. They taught me to never want to be those people. The thing about being bullied is that you either become a victim of your past, or it makes you stronger. I will always defend myself, and more importantly, I will defend those who can't defend themselves. Thankfully, we live in a day and age where same-sex partnerships are widely more accepted. Harlow advocates her story by simply being. Some families have one mom, and one dad. Other families have two moms. Some have one mom, or one dad. Our family happens to be made up of two daddies. We are just like every other family.
pP: What three children's brands would 8-year old Pete wear?
P: Honestly, I'm not attached to brands. I like being creative with clothing. I'm drawn to the idea of taking an average piece of clothing, and wearing it in a way that someone maybe hadn't thought of trying. The simplest of accessories can completely change the look of an outfit. To be fair - I am absolutely in love with the work of Mischka Aoki - not for me, of course. Their work is so delicate, effortless, and in one word, beautiful.
pP: What's next for Harlow?
P: We have so many exciting things coming up. Our new blog, for starters, our website is in the process of being developed. No launch date, yet, but stay tuned. We also have a special project in the works with one of my favourite boutique's, Childrensalon. More details on that soon.
pP: Inspire our readers...
P: Be You. Always be you. No matter how successful you are. Or, no matter how miserable you may be. People will alway have an opinion about you. Those opinions are none of your business. Ignore the noise. Stay focused. Be authentic. Align yourself with people who support you. That's where you'll find your happy place.