Family Wisdom
Esmé Marshall and daughter Rachel “Ray” Roberts put the “super” in model and mothering as they share memories and advice
Photographs by Sophie Kuller
Esmé: What insights or wisdom of mine do you feel you have most benefited from?
Ray: You taught me that having fun is important, connecting with strangers is soul food, and staying positive is invaluable. And to listen to music and groove whenever you can.
Esmé: Can you share a memorable job or travel experience?
Ray: Shooting the cover of American Vogue together when I was 12 with Annie Leibovitz. Condé Nast flew us—first class, hot fudge sundaes and all—and we traveled with my brother Hayden, who was just a baby at the time.
Esmé: You balance so much and have such deep relationships. How do you do it?
Ray: By staying grounded and saying no to things when I need to, having healthy boundaries. Then putting my relationships first, like my husband and my girlfriends. The sisterhood of motherhood is crucial for my sanity. And my family ties are just sacred. I feel having strong, connected relationships is what keeps us healthy. If you and your family have strong bonds with people you love and trust, everything else falls into place and thrives. Community is my secret.
Esmé: What’s on your bucket list?
Ray: Go deeper into my spirituality. Restore my 1983 Mercedes station wagon to top form. Become a better surfer. Give back and be of service. Start dancing ballet again. And sleep—sleep would be nice.
Ray: What was your favorite part of raising children?
Esmé: Instilling the notion that life comes in sets of waves; always surf with grace.
Ray: What advice do you have for your children when it comes to parenting?
Esmé: Parenting is the toughest job we have. Keep an even keel and always have a good sense of humor. Here’s a favorite T-shirt saying I saw recently: “You can’t scare me, I have two daughters!
Ray: What was the most iconic fashion moment in your career?
Esmé: Meeting Cary Grant after an amazing Ralph Lauren show in Manhattan and him telling me I reminded him of Audrey Hepburn. I have always adored her portrayal of Truman Capote’s Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and felt a deep affinity with the character.
Ray: Is there one incredible outfit you can share from your many shoots or a walk down the runway?
Esmé: Not one look, but I was honored to work in the ateliers of great icons of fashion—Ralph Lauren, Michael Vollbracht, Calvin Klein, Thierry Mugler, Kenzo Takada, Claude Montana, Bill Blass, Valentino, Giorgio Armani, Donna Karan, and Perry Ellis, to name a few. Fashion in the ‘80s was just an amazing adventure!
Ray: What are you looking forward to?
Esmé: Future journeys with my four amazing children and filling our buckets with unconditional love and hermit crabs found on beach walks with my grandchildren.
