Maisonette Muse
Laure Heriard Dubreuil
French entrepreneur and founder of iconic multi-brand luxury shop The Webster, Laure Heriard Dubreuil is our latest Muse. The globe-trotting mama, who is also CEO of the brand, has grown her business to include five boutiques across the United States, and last year, launched a sunny womenswear label, LHD, which embraces the colorful, playful skirts and dresses that make up Laure’s day-to-day style. Now living in a beautifully renovated 19th century townhouse in NYC, Laure shares her life with her husband, contemporary artist Aaron Young, and their four-year-old son, Marcel. Here, we talk motherhood, independence, and Laure’s commitment to raising a bi-cultural child.
- Photography
- Taylor Jewell
- Written By
- Phoebe de Croisset
What does an average morning at home look like?
I wake up around 7am, and start my day with a big hug and kisses from Marcel! I am usually in charge of getting him dressed and ready and into the kitchen. We always eat breakfast as a family – that is something that’s really important to us. Aaron and I love anything avocado, and Marcel generally favors bananas and oatmeal. Once breakfast is finished, the boys are off to school – meaning Papa is usually the one on drop-off duty. It is their special time, and they both love those few minutes together.
Where do you think you get your sense of style?
I have always loved fashion and had very specific taste with a strong point of view since I was a girl. From a very young age I would dress up my two brothers and sister. They were my first "clients"- followed by my own parents!
What is the first memory you have of fashion - a major dress/outfit/accessory that made you determined to go into this business?
Nicolas Ghesquiere's first shows at Balenciaga convinced me that I was going in the right direction!
How would you describe your style, and has it changed at all since becoming a mother?
I would describe my style as classic with a twist, or Paris to Miami through NYC! I never sacrifice comfort for the look - if I am not comfortable, I won't feel good, therefore won't look good. Chic and comfortable are my main concerns nowadays, while trying to keep up with Marcel!
Is your style reflected in Marcel’s look?
Marcel’s style is a mix of Aaron's and my own. He’ll wear a more classic old school shirt with Vans sneakers and crazy printed pants. His style is definitely Parisian-meets-downtown!
I wake up around 7am, and start my day with a big hug and kisses from Marcel! I am usually in charge of getting him dressed and ready and into the kitchen. We always eat breakfast as a family – that is something that’s really important to us. Aaron and I love anything avocado, and Marcel generally favors bananas and oatmeal. Once breakfast is finished, the boys are off to school – meaning Papa is usually the one on drop-off duty. It is their special time, and they both love those few minutes together.
Where do you think you get your sense of style?
I have always loved fashion and had very specific taste with a strong point of view since I was a girl. From a very young age I would dress up my two brothers and sister. They were my first "clients"- followed by my own parents!
What is the first memory you have of fashion - a major dress/outfit/accessory that made you determined to go into this business?
Nicolas Ghesquiere's first shows at Balenciaga convinced me that I was going in the right direction!
How would you describe your style, and has it changed at all since becoming a mother?
I would describe my style as classic with a twist, or Paris to Miami through NYC! I never sacrifice comfort for the look - if I am not comfortable, I won't feel good, therefore won't look good. Chic and comfortable are my main concerns nowadays, while trying to keep up with Marcel!
Is your style reflected in Marcel’s look?
Marcel’s style is a mix of Aaron's and my own. He’ll wear a more classic old school shirt with Vans sneakers and crazy printed pants. His style is definitely Parisian-meets-downtown!
Tell us about how you and Aaron met.
Aaron and I met at a house party in Miami during Art Basel in 2008. It was an instant connection and totally love at first sight. He is my soulmate.
How did your passions work to connect you two?
Fashion and art are so connected, and it really is wonderful for Aaron and me to be able to relate to each-other’s work and passions, and to share that sensibility. Aaron is the real artist in the family, for now at least - but maybe Marcel will follow his in his footsteps!
How do you live and interact with art and design, and encourage Marcel’s interest?
Marcel has a heightened awareness of art and culture because of all that he is exposed to on a daily basis. He is surrounded by amazing contemporary art works – they are part of his environment, even in his own bedroom since the day he was born. It is all very natural and organic for him.
You live a kind of global/globe-trotting existence, and now you're raising your child in America. How important is it for Marcel to stay connected his French roots?
Marcel speaks both French and English and attends a bilingual school. It is so important to me to instill French values and culture in him now, while he is still little, and can share the same experiences I had as a child. We travel to France many times throughout the year and Marcel is very connected with his grandparents, great-grandmother and cousins who are based there. Aaron was born and raised in California, so it creates a really great balance for Marcel - he is truly getting a taste of both cultures at such a young age.
When did you know you wanted to have children?
I have known since I was a young girl that I wanted children, and I am so glad I had Marcel. He is my greatest joy in life.
Aaron and I met at a house party in Miami during Art Basel in 2008. It was an instant connection and totally love at first sight. He is my soulmate.
How did your passions work to connect you two?
Fashion and art are so connected, and it really is wonderful for Aaron and me to be able to relate to each-other’s work and passions, and to share that sensibility. Aaron is the real artist in the family, for now at least - but maybe Marcel will follow his in his footsteps!
How do you live and interact with art and design, and encourage Marcel’s interest?
Marcel has a heightened awareness of art and culture because of all that he is exposed to on a daily basis. He is surrounded by amazing contemporary art works – they are part of his environment, even in his own bedroom since the day he was born. It is all very natural and organic for him.
You live a kind of global/globe-trotting existence, and now you're raising your child in America. How important is it for Marcel to stay connected his French roots?
Marcel speaks both French and English and attends a bilingual school. It is so important to me to instill French values and culture in him now, while he is still little, and can share the same experiences I had as a child. We travel to France many times throughout the year and Marcel is very connected with his grandparents, great-grandmother and cousins who are based there. Aaron was born and raised in California, so it creates a really great balance for Marcel - he is truly getting a taste of both cultures at such a young age.
When did you know you wanted to have children?
I have known since I was a young girl that I wanted children, and I am so glad I had Marcel. He is my greatest joy in life.
What was the biggest surprise about motherhood? Greatest joy?
Everything about Marcel is wonderful. He is the best thing that ever happened to me. The biggest surprise is that my heart hasn't exploded yet from how much I love him!
One thing you wish someone had told you before you had children?
All parents tell you children grow up in a blink of an eye, and at the beginning, you don’t realize that, as every stage seems to last. All of a sudden, though, you realize it is true – it flies by in a minute!
Greatest lesson your own mother taught you?
My mother really taught me to be independent. That independence and drive is what made me who I am, and what brought me to where I am today. I will forever be grateful to her for that.
When was the last time Marcel made you laugh out loud?
Just now. Everyday. All the time. I am always amazed by his wit and humor. Four is definitely a wonderful age!
How do you think motherhood has helped you in your career? How has your career helped you be a better mother?
Motherhood definitely helps you to prioritize and be a million times more efficient than you've ever been before! And as I cannot be with my son all the time, I am 100% with him when I am home – I give him my full attention.
Everything about Marcel is wonderful. He is the best thing that ever happened to me. The biggest surprise is that my heart hasn't exploded yet from how much I love him!
One thing you wish someone had told you before you had children?
All parents tell you children grow up in a blink of an eye, and at the beginning, you don’t realize that, as every stage seems to last. All of a sudden, though, you realize it is true – it flies by in a minute!
Greatest lesson your own mother taught you?
My mother really taught me to be independent. That independence and drive is what made me who I am, and what brought me to where I am today. I will forever be grateful to her for that.
When was the last time Marcel made you laugh out loud?
Just now. Everyday. All the time. I am always amazed by his wit and humor. Four is definitely a wonderful age!
How do you think motherhood has helped you in your career? How has your career helped you be a better mother?
Motherhood definitely helps you to prioritize and be a million times more efficient than you've ever been before! And as I cannot be with my son all the time, I am 100% with him when I am home – I give him my full attention.
How do you draw a line between work and family – or is it all comingled?
When you're an entrepreneur, it is very difficult to fully switch off, but I always allow myself a few weeks during the year to escape to our family retreat in Corsica, or to somewhere exotic with Aaron and Marcel. These are the instances when time stops, and it gives us the most amazing memories for us to share together.
What is one cardinal parenting rule you always abide by and why?
Manners. If you instill manners in your child at a young age, I believe they will carry on into adulthood.
What is one cardinal rule of marriage you always abide by and why?
Spend quality time with each other.
Mama must-haves?
My Stella McCartney sneakers. The high-rise soles work from runway shows to running around in the park with Marcel.
Life mantra/motto?
“Pura Vida” (I recently went to Costa Rica)
When you're an entrepreneur, it is very difficult to fully switch off, but I always allow myself a few weeks during the year to escape to our family retreat in Corsica, or to somewhere exotic with Aaron and Marcel. These are the instances when time stops, and it gives us the most amazing memories for us to share together.
What is one cardinal parenting rule you always abide by and why?
Manners. If you instill manners in your child at a young age, I believe they will carry on into adulthood.
What is one cardinal rule of marriage you always abide by and why?
Spend quality time with each other.
Mama must-haves?
My Stella McCartney sneakers. The high-rise soles work from runway shows to running around in the park with Marcel.
Life mantra/motto?
“Pura Vida” (I recently went to Costa Rica)
