One of the many, many things that can induce anxiety for an expecting mother is the idea of balance, whether it’s between work and play, selfishness and selflessness, or easy freedom and rigid schedules. The thought of bringing new life into the world while also trying to keep tethered to your own can be daunting. Creative director and designer Julia Lang has been deeply contemplating this idea while pregnant with her first child—a baby girl. Six months into her pregnancy, she hopes to find the balance that looks right for her, without having to chose between motherhood and her career.
Lang, who is Tanzanian-German and currently based in New York, is a creative director and founder of the lifestyle label Veert. Her line includes cool statement jewelry and a ready-to-wear collection that features embroidered shorts, shirts, and hoodies. She also runs Julia Lang Worldwide, a consulting and branding agency that she founded in 2012. A successful business owner, she is passionate about developing her own career after giving birth, which she hopes will empower other women, including her child. “I want to be an example to my own daughter and show that you can step into your light while also building your wildest dreams, career-wise,” she says.
Lang imagined her maternity photo shoot as a visual love letter to herself, her daughter, and powerful women everywhere. And as always, style and self-expression played a big part in this project. While Lang is an accomplished entrepreneur, her first loves are art and fashion. She loves to flex her creative muscles through this kind of striking imagery, but also through her daily wardrobe choices. Some of her current pregnancy favorites include maxi dresses by the likes of Rick Owens, Norma Kamali and Louisa Baillou. And of course, baby Lang is already amassing her own envious lineup of fashion goodies, including baby Air Force One sneakers and mini Veert merch.
Below, Lang opens up about her feelings on her pregnancy body, her personal style, and her excitement at the thought of having a little one to follow in her footsteps.
What has your pregnancy journey been like thus far, both physically and emotionally?
Overall, it’s been a blessing. The first trimester was brutal though. I felt so nauseous, had little energy, and felt a bit in a dark spot emotionally. I lost weight during the first three months of my pregnancy. But I welcomed the second trimester with much more energy and optimism, and I am now feeling really good about my body. My baby girl also just started kicking ,and it’s an indescribable feeling.
Has being pregnant inspired you creatively? If so, how has this manifested in your day-to-day work?
Finding out I was pregnant was a bit scary at first, but then I really felt a boost of motivation kick in soon after. I have always been someone who went after her dreams and works hard, and I know that might be multiplying now. This is true especially because I want to set an example for my daughter, but also make sure we are living comfortably. I also noticed that, since becoming pregnant, I am much more selective with the energy from others that I let into my little world.
Is there anything that scares you about motherhood right now? Any anxieties that you’re having that you’d be open to sharing?
One of the biggest anxieties caused during my pregnancy is probably the fact that my entire family is based in Europe, while I am based in New York. I try to stay well prepared and lean into the challenge and remain in faith that things will work out just fine.
What’s been the most surprising thing you’ve discovered about yourself thus far in the journey of motherhood?
I’m surprised by how my motherly instincts are already kicking in and are guiding me through the process. As a first time mom, everything is new to me. I am adapting every single day and try to stay on top with educating myself as much as possible. Women are so powerful. The things that we can endure, accomplish, and carry within us—in a literal way—are pure magic.
What are you looking forward to most in terms of motherhood?
To grow old with my child and to have my best friend by my side. Also to teach and learn from one another. And of course, to raise a beautiful human being with morals and the confidence for her to be whoever she wants to be and to fully see her own strength and the magic that lays within her, inside and out.
Often the people around us, and even strangers, will say things like “get ready to never sleep again!” or “enjoy your freedom while it lasts”—have you experienced this at all? If so, how do you feel about this general, unsolicited advice in regards to pregnancy and motherhood?
Yes—as well as backhanded compliments during pregnancy. I try to not really care about other people’s opinions, which often reflects a person’s own insecurities. I am a firm believer that every woman, every body, every situation is completely different from another. It gives me peace of mind to lean into my role as a mother and do my best each day, no matter the circumstances. Sure, there will be a lack of sleep while having a newborn in your house, but on the other hand, you also only have a newborn for eight short weeks. I will try my best to enjoy each stage of motherhood as much as the next.
What inspired you to create this maternity shoot and why was it important for you personally?
I always find expressing myself through visual languages is the easiest and the most powerful and truest form to who I am. It feels natural and speaks for itself without using much vocabulary. It’s a timeless piece of work that can be felt rather than being explained. Also, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment for me, and it means a lot to me to capture this moment of my baby’s and my journey.
How do you hope these images inspire your child?
I hope these images will give her strength and a timeless piece of work to always look back on. There is utter beauty in the process of being pregnant and the miracle that is unfolding beneath your skin. I hope it teaches her about bravery, beauty and the power of a woman.
Have you thought about how you want to approach balancing your work with motherhood? What might that journey look like for you, or what do you hope it might look like?
I feel like there is a massive stigma around women becoming mothers while having a career. Society often tries to say that a woman has to choose which path to go. Why choose? Can’t we have a career and raise children with unconditional love and attention? We absolutely can. Will it be easy? Probably not. Far from it. I want to be an example to my own daughter and show that you can step into your light while also building your wildest dreams, career-wise. It will be my mission to empower women that it’s okay to want both. As an entrepreneur, a big part of my identity, self-worth, and fulfillment comes from my work. Having a child doesn’t mean that you have to completely change who you are. It will look different than before having a child—yet, I am speaking it into existence: Women really can have it all.
Has your personal style changed at all throughout your pregnancy? If so, how have you adapted your wardrobe?
I am grateful that my body hasn’t changed that much just yet. Maybe there will be more changes during my third trimester. Currently, I am really enjoying all my maxi dresses that I owned before becoming pregnant and that still fit perfectly. My go-to brands for maxi dresses during my pregnancy have been Ottolinger, Norma Kamali, Louisa Ballou, and Rick Owens.
Have you already begun shopping for your little one? If so, any fun items you’ve discovered or received? Anything you’ve treated yourself to?
The nesting phase has officially kicked in. I fell in love with a stroller by a Dutch founder in an all-black leather (called Mima Xari), which has a beautiful aesthetic, but I’m not entirely sure about its functionality. Another item that is a must for me is the denim baby carrier by Artipoppe. I am also receiving heartwarming gifts from loved ones, such as an African tribal baby jumpsuit, a black infant sweater with green customized Veert embroidery on the back, and the cutest infant sneakers. Baby girl already has quite an impressive collection of sneakers, from Adidas Samba infant kicks to classic Jordan 1s and knit brown-and-pink Nikes. She’s the coolest little lady already.