TV host Sarah Watson-Baik has made maternity style more chic and modern than ever
Of all her stylish moments, having a baby bump is TV host Sarah Watson-Baik’s best look yet. Aside from being the star of her YouTube channel Urbanwit and also various TV segments focusing on Korean and Asian fashion trends (#Joahgram for CJ E&M’s digital platforms K-StyleTV and KConTV as well as Fox’s The Hip List on Starworld Asia), Sarah has a new role to fill – motherhood. In between shuffling around Asia’s fashion meccas and sitting in the front row seats for several of Korea’s hippest fashion shows, Sarah didn’t let pregnancy slow her down. She shares, “I really enjoy fashion events so I kept going out, even when shooting. I was even travelling to a new city in Asia every three days. I really had an active pregnancy but I think I was able to do that because I was so excited and kept a positive outlook.”
Not your ordinary mom
Having been a strong advocate of Asian fashion, Sarah has worn outfits made by top designers (with Korea’s most sought-after designer Lie Sang Bong being her close friend), so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see her strutting around in style in her baby-bump glory. “I find typical pregnancy clothes, especially in Korea, tend to be so casual and baggy, which is not flattering and ends up making you look even bigger,” she says. “It’s like people are trying to hide the fact there are pregnant or feel like that once they are pregnant they need to check out from fashion.” Not one to give up her style staples, she attended fashion events in form-fitting, jersey bodycon dresses, heels (comfortable and safe, of course), statement bags, and eyewear. For Sarah, it’s more than just looking fabulous and made up: it’s all about being proud of her baby bump and showing the world that pregnant moms can look even more beautiful with it. “I think it’s important to keep enjoying fashion and dressing for your silhouette, so I tried to work with my curves and show off the bump! Be proud of such a wonderful time in your life!”
A lot of the people in the industry have been encouraging and complimented Sarah, but some of the more traditional Koreans give her curious looks whenever she passes by. In a way, she’s breaking away from the norms of maternity wear and shows that indeed, moms know best – even in fashion. Some of her best tips when it comes to dressing up your bump include, “Play with fitted items to show the bump paired with flowing items to cover the bits you don’t want to show. Also, don't be afraid of color!” And more importantly, “Try not to think differently about your style and continue to have fun with fashion!”
“I find typical pregnancy clothes, especially in Korea, tend to be so casual and baggy, which is not flattering and ends up making you look even bigger,” she says. “It’s like people are trying to hide the fact there are pregnant or feel like that once they are pregnant they need to check out from fashion.”
A little bundle of joy
Having a child is a gift both to Sarah and her husband, Jiwon Baik, architect and CEO of Urbantainer, known for shipping container architecture (most notably Common Ground and Club Octagon), so the couple wanted to give their child a precious name. After all, a name will be one of the first things people will learn about a child and it will be a key part of their identity. So, when Sarah gave birth to a baby girl after four years of marriage, they named her Luna, which is both meaningful and fitting for her day of birth. Luna is a Latin name and the Roman goddess of the moon, which, for the baby’s father, holds a symbolic meaning. Sarah explains, “He has always had the philosophical goal of building on the moon. Even before our pregnancy, he always imagined his daughter to be part of a generation that would be able travel to space for leisure. Additionally, she arrived the day before Chuseok, Korea’s full moon Thanksgiving.”
Ever since she gave birth, Sarah has kept every little memorable first in mind – from the moment Luna opened her eyes, to every new movement, to her first smile. And if there’s one thing Sarah believes and practices as a mom, it’s keeping the baby close to her as much as possible. “I’m a big fan of babywearing and co-sleeping and can’t imagine how I could get by (or sleep!) without it. Just as with fashion, I don’t think being a mom has to be limiting to what you are able to do nor do you have to leave your child at home. I think it’s great to include your children in your normal lifestyle and not separate them from it.”
Another one of Luna’s firsts will be this coming Christmas, which also happens to be close to her 100th day, and is celebrated in Korean culture (백일). Almost at the end of 2016, Sarah and her family were given such a dear blessing, and in the New Year, she only wishes one thing: “I wish for a safe and loving world for my daughter. You know, the future is female!”
*** Luna is quite a big girl now by the way:) Follow Sarah at @urbanwit
*** Published in Groove Korea Magazine
