What It’s Like To Be The Daughter Of A Fashion Designer

It's no question that fashion is, well, a family business — nepotism runs rampant, and the lucky connected few seem to rise higher and faster than many equally talented people who have yet to break in. For those of us without personal connections, the industry can be incredibly frustrating, especially as we watch the, let's just say privileged set ride on countless coattails. So, when we read this revealing essay from designer Mark McNairy's daughter on her experience with the industry, we actually found it somewhat refreshing.

Daisy McNairy grew up learning the biz at a young age: Helping her dad in his studio, and becoming exposed to all kinds of skills and contacts that her more "normal" friends weren't — but, instead of perpetuating the system, she is brutally honest about nepotism and how it's helped her out. And, she's detailing her struggles to decide between taking the road that's already laid out for her, or forging a new path separate from her father's legacy (medical school, to be exact). Daisy describes her childhood spent splitting time between her mother in New Orleans (where she attended school, played sports, and did all those other non-privileged activities we all cherish), and visiting her father in New York among his fashion circle friends.

While it's certainly hard to feel bad for a teenager who's toughest choices are whether to be an OB-GYN or a fashion heir, we appreciate her candor and her willingness to blow the lid off of fashion-world traditions. We can all relate to dealing with the pressure of parental visions, even if Daisy's case is a little more extreme. What do you think: Do you admire Daisy for speaking openly about this often-shushed tradition, or is it just one more thing about the fashion industry that needs to change? (XO Jane)