Tim Kaeding of MOTHER Discusses the Punk Nouveau Collection

Los Angeles-based label MOTHER, loved by many celebrities, brings the rebellious spirit of Punk Nouveau to its Fall ’25 collection.

Founded in 2010 by Lela Becker and Tim Kaeding, MOTHER is famous for its denim pieces that fuse the timeless cool of the ’70s with modern trends. For instance, their new ’60s-inspired collaboration with Chloe Fineman and her sister, artist Emma Fineman, will transport you straight to the vibrant atmosphere of Carnaby Street.

This vintage aesthetic has resonated strongly with famous faces. Since MOTHER is based in L.A., stars like Jennifer Garner, Hailey Bieber, Gigi Hadid, and Kendall Jenner frequently wear the brand. Therefore, it has built a loyal following among A-listers.

The Inspiration Behind Punk Nouveau

To celebrate the new collection, Tim Kaeding, creative director and co-founder, shared his thoughts.

Felicity Carter: What attracted you to the Punk Nouveau concept?
Tim Kaeding: Although Punk and Nouveau look very different, both movements challenged norms and broke rules. Hence, we were drawn to combining these two seemingly opposing aesthetics. The collection merges the ornate designs of Art Nouveau with punk’s raw edge and defiance.

Colors, Shapes, and Materials

FC: What are the key colors, shapes, and fabrics?
TK: The collection thrives on contrast. For example, we use a sophisticated color palette of citron, purple, and absinthe green that sharply contrasts with punk’s black-and-white scribbles, dark denim washes, and bold graphic tees.
Moreover, the shapes blend feminine and masculine styles. Flowing lines and delicate knit pieces—such as the Powder Puff knit top with metallic zig-zag stripes—reflect Art Nouveau’s architectural flair.
Meanwhile, stud and rivet details contribute to the punk vibe, especially in pieces like our fully studded jean called SNACKS! and the Smoothie Sneak in Nails for Dinner.

Contrasts in Clothes and References

FC: How do contrasts appear in the clothing and references?
TK: Studs, leopard print, and DIY embellishments coexist with soft pastels and swirling graphic patterns inspired by Parisian Métropolitain signs.
In addition, punk sayings and doodles feature as embroidery and prints on dresses, sweatshirts, and denim. Band tees include French phrases and references to Paris, thus tying the themes together.

FC: Where do the CBGB and grandma’s closet references come from, and how are they translated into clothing?
TK: Grandma’s closet represents the vintage, feminine side of the collection with slip dresses, crocheted sweaters, and pastels. Pieces like the Double Face Cardigan, with its peacock-feather graphic, and The Eye Opener jacket, featuring floral and vine details, embody this aesthetic.
Conversely, CBGB, the legendary birthplace of American punk rock, influences the collection through studs, graffiti fonts, and punk graphics.

Lela Becker, co-founder and president, sums it up with her favorite piece: “I love The Riveter Mini Skirt. I style it with tights and ankle boots or knee-high boots for a fun night out.”

Finally, shop the collection online or at leading stockists including Tuckernuck, Revolve, and Harrods.

- Advertisement -spot_img

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here