A MOTHER'S DAY CELEBRATION
7 May 2021
Four generations with our Head of Visual Merchandising, Marie Pisotek.
For Marie, her two-and-a-half-year-old son Xavier, mum Magda and grandmother Anita, Mother’s Day is always a joyous celebration.
But this year, the occasion holds extra special meaning. With Anita celebrating her 100th birthday on 6 May, and Marie expecting her second child in June, we’re reminded that life is a precious gift—something to be honoured, respected, and cherished.
We sat down with these three amazing women to talk about values, long-standing traditions, and their rich Slovenian heritage.
Marie, can you tell us a bit about
your family history?
Our background is Slovenian. My mum and her family arrived in Melbourne in December 1956, when Mum was just seven years old. They left seeking a better life of freedom and democracy.
What do you admire most
about your grandmother?
“My grandma - we call her Omi - taught me how to sew. I would go to her house in the school holidays—she taught me patternmaking and everything there is to know about sewing. She made our outfits for every special occasion we had!
That’s where my love for fashion design stemmed from. To have that skill passed down through the generations is an amazing thing.
I also admire the way she presents herself. She's always dressed immaculately, and she’s incredibly presentable in her manner and approach to people. She's polite and considerate of others, and I think that's something that I've lived up to as well.”
What’s the most memorable lesson your family has taught you so far?
An appreciation for food – an awareness of home cooking and the Slovenian cuisine, which has been passed down from my grandma to my mum, both amazing cooks. I think it’s important to encourage that kind of eating, especially for my son Xavier and my second bub who’s due this June.
What’s the most memorable lesson your family has taught you so far?
An appreciation for food – an awareness of home cooking and the Slovenian cuisine, which has been passed down from my grandma to my mum, both amazing cooks. I think it’s important to encourage that kind of eating, especially for my son Xavier and my second bub who’s due this June.
Do you have any words of wisdom
for mothers to be?
It’s hard! Be in the present moment because the days are long, but the years are short. Just go with the flow.
Do you have any words of wisdom
for mothers to be?
It’s hard! Be in the present moment because the days are long, but the years are short. Just go with the flow.
Magda, what’s a lesson your mum taught
you that you’ve passed onto Marie?
“To be kind, loving, follow your dreams and enjoy life… be passionate and happy to do the work.”
Finally, some words of wisdom from Marie’s
100-year-old grandmother, Anita.
I wish you to be honest in life—that’s very important. To respect each other and help each other.
Gifts for
EVERY MUM
Gifts for EVERY MUM
Nothing compares to a mother’s love. This year, return the favour with gifts that make everyday moments extra special.
Flowers are great (but jewellery is better). Go for gold with glittering new season watches, bracelets, earrings, rings and necklaces.
Plus, spoil her with our new home collection, featuring gorgeous printed slippers, robes, cushions, towels and more.
