The FJ team share the most cherished items passed down from their mothers

Sentimental objects.

Sometimes, I’m reminded of my mum in the most unexpected ways. It’s the expressions I make when I’m talking, my love for all shades of blue and the notes I gravitate towards when picking out a new perfume (citrus, matcha and fresh linen, specifically). I’m lucky enough to also have tangible reminders of her around me, the bits and pieces she’s handed down from her kitchen, wardrobe, makeup bag and jewellery collection.

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Even though we live in different states, I think of her all the time when walking through my house and getting dressed for the day. Some are beautiful objects (a gold ring, antique glassware) and others are more sentimental, like old photos and books with thumbed edges and handwritten notes in the margins. Below, the Fashion Journal team reflects on the most cherished items passed down from our mothers and maternal figures.

Kaya Martin, Fashion Journal Contributor

My mum is an avid giver of hand-me-downs and luckily for me, she has excellent taste. Every time I visit, I end up leaving with a bag full of new items. There have been so many over the years – knee-high leather Coach boots, gold flower earrings, a denim jacket covered in studs – but the one that stands out the most is a vintage sundress.

It was made in Montreal, where my mum was born, around the same year she was born in the 1970s. And it’s stunning. Made from brown and beige floral-printed corduroy, it’s got buttons down the centre and a plunging neckline. The sculpted tailoring makes it so flattering and timeless and its 50-plus year lifespan is a testament to its quality – pieces like that are hard to find these days, aren’t they? Now, living in a different country than my mum, I love wearing the dress because it makes me feel closer to her.

Molly Griffin, Fashion Journal’s Advertising and Campaign Manager

I have a blue opal ring that has been passed down through the women in my family. It’s typically worn on their wedding day as their something blue and borrowed. I believe it started with my great-grandmother followed by my nana, my mum and my sister. I’m the next to get married so now it’s mine. It’s so nice to have this connection to the women in my family and despite having such different styles, it’s lovely to think that one piece of jewellery matches everyone so nicely.

Giulia Brugliera, Fashion Journal’s Managing Editor

Mine is from my nonna, it skipped a generation and was passed to me. It’s a handmade blanket she constructed with her late sister – one crocheting and one sewing – and as far as I can tell, it was preserved in a drawer from the moment it was finished. It’s special to me because it was so special to her; a symbol of collaboration, hard work and the importance of family.

When I told her that my partner and I were engaged, she welled up (I’d never seen her cry), held my hand and walked me to the drawer where she’d stored it to give to me. I’d never seen her so emotional and I could see it was a significant moment for her; I’ve treasured it since.

Georgina Woolcock, Fashion Journal’s Partnerships and Campaign Executive

I think I was fifteen when I first stole my mum’s vintage black floor-length wool coat from her wardrobe. We were on one of our many shared trips to New York City for the weekend (we lived an hour’s flight away at the time, so it wasn’t as intense or as much of an expense as the trip from Melbourne would be) and I desperately needed something that would make me feel like a native New Yorker.

As a teenager, there was nothing less cool than being a tourist! Over the years the coat has slowly migrated to its resting place in my wardrobe, and it’s now the point where my mum has just accepted it’s mine. It smells just like her which brings back so many happy memories from my childhood – I wear it when I’m feeling confident, when I’m sad and when I feel like all I need is a hug from my mum.

Cait Emma Burke, Fashion Journal’s Editor

When I was around 13, a gold Claddagh ring was passed down to me by my mum. The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish token of friendship and love, and I was immediately taken with the lore that surrounds it. I was given a piece of parchment-looking paper with the ring that explained what each symbol stands for – the heart represents love, the crown is for loyalty and the clasped hands represent friendship.

As corny as it sounds, these three values are really what guides my life (they’re also what fulfil and uplift me). I wear the ring every day because of this, and the connection it provides to Mum and my Irish heritage. The other thing I really love about Claddagh rings is that there’s a specific way you wear them depending on your relationship status. You’re meant to wear the heart pointing towards your fingertips if you’re single and open to love, and towards your wrist if you’re taken.

Izzy Wight, Fashion Journal’s Assistant Editor

When I moved out of home at 18, my mum gifted me an antique sterling silver sugar bowl (similar to this one). It was passed down four generations from her grandmother to my gram, who gave it to my mum and finally to me. At the time, I thought it was random. I was moving into student accommodation to eat a diet made up predominately of mi goreng and eggs on toast – what was I supposed to do with an ornate vintage sugar bowl?

But when I moved into my first sharehouse I started baking; recreating the treats she’d made for us when my sister and I were little. She’s Texan, and the baked goods were almost always rolled in sugar. Every time I’d use it I’d think of her, and the wafting scents of cinnamon rolls and pecan cookies made me feel like she was right next to me. It’s a constant source of comfort and a reminder of the wonderful women who used it before me.

For more musings on family heirlooms, head here.