Young, glamorous and stealing Mum’s spotlight

Kids fighting their A-list parents for the chance to shine is a growing trend. By Charlotte Lytton

Nothing says happy birthday like a slinky outfit, a huge bash, and a show-stopping performance – from your mother. At her daughter Lexi’s 18th last week, Amanda Holden gently pushed nearby teenagers aside as she strutted her stuff to

– a none too common occurrence for most birthday parties, perhaps, but increasingly par for the course for celebrity mums.

Her performance appeared to amuse Lorraine Kelly, who spent a segment of her show on Monday dedicated to reliving it (and laughing about it. A lot). And while Kate Moss posed for pictures with her daughter at her own 50th this month, it was clear that the 1990s supermodel won’t be relinquishing the spotlight any time soon.

“Celebrity mothers may be accustomed to the limelight and

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2 therefore develop a heightened need for attention and validation,” says psychologist Louise Goddard-Crawley. “The constant pursuit of fame and public approval may create challenges in prioritising their children’s needs, as the spotlight becomes a central aspect of their identity.”

While many see these snaps as encouraging proof that midlifers’ love of a party prevails, GoddardCrawley

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Of all the most hellish professions your parents could choose, supermodel is up there (closely followed by sex therapist). There are only two appropriate responses for the children of the preternaturally beautiful: take up humanitarian work, or become a model yourself. And so 21-year-old Lila, who Moss shares with her former partner Jefferson Hack, has opted for the latter, modelling from the age of 15 in the likes of

and Marc Jacobs and Chloé ad campaigns.

Perhaps the 1990s supermodel retained the spotlight more easily at her 50th by having her daughter “dressed as… Kate Moss”. So opined of Lila’s black slip, noting that at this year’s Fashion Awards, she had a designer recreate her mother’s infamous 1993 sheer dress, too, and has been responsible for several copycat looks in between. Per Lila: “I copy her outfits consistently and she goes, ‘I’m so jealous, it’s so cute!’ and I’m just like, ‘It’s all yours!’” If you can’t beat them, be them.

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says that where A-listers are concerned, “at times, the blurred boundaries between personal and public life can make it difficult for these individuals to hand over control, as relinquishing the spotlight may feel like a loss of self ”. For those who have reached the top of their respective fields in modelling, broadcasting, acting and beyond, the idea of bowing out, even if you’ve got

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There are two strategies available for the child whose parents are on social media – ensure they have no access to any of your accounts, or make them a regular fixture. McCall’s middle child Tilly, 20, has picked her path, posting that she has “always been a mummies [sic] girl” on an Instagram post of them on holiday. McCall responded with “I’m so lucky to have you in my

It would have been helpful, surely, if Reese Witherspoon had just stuck to acting. An Academy Award, Bafta and two Golden Globes weren’t enough, though: via an uber-starry production company (responsible for

and and a book club, she has spread her wings across the zeitgeist.

As such her daughter, 24-yearold Ava, has her a carbon copy waiting in the wings, may not be too appealing.

Continuing to pursue fame and attention “could serve as a defence mechanism, protecting them from inner insecurities or feelings of inadequacy,” Goddard-Crawley adds. “The spotlight becomes a means of reinforcing a positive self-image, and handing over control may trigger anxieties related to losing this source of validation.”

At Valentino, too, textured wools replaced fur and for evenings, a shiny, curly boa. Odd but effective. The status symbols are a-changing.

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Valentino’s wool coats also came in all colours and cuts. From neat felt blazers and boxy jackets, to a standout orange mini duffle coat, any outerwear wardrobe could be given a new lease of life for spring with an update like this.

Tinkly, chandelier drop earrings have been sidelined by ever more interesting groupings up the lobe. On the catwalk, as well as at the high jewellery presentations that run concurrently with the shows in Paris during couture week, the emphasis is on round, sculptural earrings that sit unusually on the ear, perching just below the lobe or curling around it. Chokers are back too.

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Toteme, the cult Scandinavian label, is increasingly one to watch. Style cognoscenti already love it because while it’s reminiscent of The Row (and on average a third of the price), it also has its own point of view. The blanket stitch coats and jackets you may have seen a lot of last year were either from Toteme, or copies… With a new flagship store going great guns in London’s Mayfair and others opening in the US, this was the moment for the label to debut on the Paris catwalk. Bold of them to do it during couture week when it is a decidedly ready-to-wear house, but Toteme is very much about elevating touches (superstar photographer Steven Meisel does its campaigns) and the two founders are cognisant of the details that count. Case in point: those kitten-heel wedge slingbacks they showed with many of the monochrome outfits in this show. A statement shoe that’s walkable – extraordinary.