Nadya Panchenkova aka @howtobritain is a fashion influencer and the Director at Serious Science, an initiative aimed at making science accessible to everyone. She lives just outside of London with her husband and the couple have three children between them. Although Nadya started her account when she was expecting her son Artem, it’s her daughter Kyra’s unique fashion style that’s so popular with her followers. Known for their mama and mini matching, Kyra has definitely inherited her mama’s eye for style, and her adorable outfits have been photographed at London Fashion Week. We sat down to chat all things motherhood and kids fashion with Nadya below…
Nadya Panchenkova on all things kids fashion, motherhood, and being an Instragram influencer
Could you tell us a little bit about why you started your Instagram feed and what it’s all about?
My IG always was about kids. Well, a kid when I started it 10 years ago. I was expecting Artem and lived in Mauritius so I really wanted to share the vibe through the pictures. It didn’t have a solid concept or something back then however when it started to grow I focused more on kids related topics: where to go, how to travel, where to shop etc. Right now our little princess Kyra has won it over with her outfits. Artem is 10 right now, so not always keen to show in my account and I totally respect it. I honestly love how it changes while staying about the same thing – how to live with the kids and try to keep myself and them happy.
We love that your bio says ‘My kids dress better than me!’. Where do you get inspiration for all of their amazing outfits?
It usually starts with one item and grows. If Kyra feels like wearing a bear hat we look through her wardrobe and decide what matches. Artem is a bit more particular with his looks and has his own very special sense of what matches what. I allow him to investigate who he is at the moment and how he wants to express it with his clothes. It’s quite a curious journey and I want kids to have all the fun they can while going through it. I don’t really mention it frequently, but I also have a stepdaughter who’s 16 right now. And I am really grateful to have her in my life – in terms of outfits she’s taught me to let go even if I am not particular into aesthetics kids love at the moment.
Each of them has their own favourite brands, so I honestly just follow making comments from time to time. I would only not allow wearing dirty or untidy clothes and it doesn’t go further.
Do you have any all-time favourite kids brands?
Oh, there’d be so many! Maison Ava for special occasions, I love every style they make. Bebe Organic makes perfect daywear – very comfortable yet absolutely stylish. I really like Happyology recently – their styles are so classy and with a twist. Mini Rodini and D&G for fun boys’ outfits. Stych, of course, when it comes to accessories and even beyond – their recent clothing lines are just so Kyra! Age of innocence when it comes to shoes – both for girls, boys and myself. I also love to support small handmade brands and would love to feature two of them: Piett makes absolutely stunning embroidered cardigans and Babushkiny Svyazi is the place to shop for embroidered bows and clips!
What are the things you love most and least about Instagram?
I love that it connects people – I made so many great acquaintances through my account! It also helps to spread a word about important matters. What I don’t really like is promoting fake standards. I need to admit I had a temptation to edit my pictures quite heavily especially after Kyra when I’ve gained quite a lot of weight, however I always try to think about people on the other end seeing my pictures. We need to promote different people with different bodies a lot and normalise just being ourselves, not “better version” of ourselves. It goes far beyond looks I think however it’s another big topic to discuss.
We love your mini-me posts. How has your own style changed since you became a mother?
It has changed a lot after Kyra to be honest. I don’t feel comfortable wearing a mini a lot or dress to impress. I am not quite sure it is connected with the kids though, might be an age thing too. Also, I was much into luxury bags before however right now when I see a bag I like my brain starts to think about better ways I can spend this sum. On the kids, of course!
And finally, what are your five top kids’ styling tips?
I’d say hats and hair accessories are a big deal and can change a look tremendously! They are really worth investing as head size doesn’t change so dramatically and a kid can wear the same piece forever. I am also a fan of good quality socks and tights. There are so many curious designs out there – and Collegien is definitely a brand worth checking. I think that following more or less the same colour palette helps – when all the items can be combined together it’s much easier to create harmonious looks. Another angle – being creative matching unmatchable items like fancy ballerinas and tracksuits, really love it. And some fun of course! I strongly believe you shouldn’t take fashion too seriously.
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