On a recent afternoon at 583 Park Avenue, the 48th Annual Outstanding Mother Awards celebrated four women whose careers in retail, apparel, entertainment, and technology are as influential as their commitment to family. Among the honorees were Denise Magid, chief merchant at Bloomingdale’s—the iconic department store that, since 1872, has shaped American luxury retail—and Jennifer Foyle, president and executive creative director of American Eagle and Aerie. Aerie, launched in 2006, revolutionized intimate apparel with its #AerieReal campaign, pledging in 2014 to forgo retouching models’ bodies, a radical move toward body positivity that echoes the corset-free liberation of early 20th-century lingerie reform. Also recognized were Jill Hazelbaker of Uber and global entertainer Ciara, whose philanthropic work underscores the modern mother’s multifaceted role. The luncheon raised $1.4 million for No Kid Hungry, a campaign addressing food insecurity—a cause that resonates with the history of undergarments as both practical support and social statement. In her acceptance, Foyle recalled her daughter’s question, “Mom, am I beautiful?”—a moment that sparked a decade-long advocacy for realistic beauty standards. Magid, a mother of twins, reflected on her grandmother, who never learned to read, and her mother, an immigrant who sacrificed her education for family. Their stories, like the evolution of the brassiere from restrictive to empowering, remind us that the most intimate garments—and the women who wear them—are built on resilience. As Ciara noted, “Balancing career and family isn’t about perfection. It is about showing up, again and again with love and attention.” In a world where the lingerie industry has long dictated ideals, these honorees prove that true support comes from within.
Originally reported by WWD