Prominent New York fashion designers Cynthia Rowley and Michelle Smith have mastered the art of stitching, sewing and hemming together pieces in a collection that wows the front rows during Fashion Week. Now these sartorial titans are tackling an even bigger challenge: motherhood.

Between business meetings with buyers, fitting models and creating inspiration boards, these women prove that motherhood never goes out of style.

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Cynthia Rowley |

Line : Cynthia Rowley
Children : Kit, 11; Gigi special occasion dresses , 6
Residence : West Village

A day after Cynthia Rowley wrapped up her latest fashion show long dresses , she and daughters Kit and Gigi went to see Justin Bieber on the big screen.

"We were the first in line" the day "Never Say Never" opened, maternity bridal gowns maternity bridal gowns Rowley boasts.

"My younger one definitely has more of the Bieber Fever," she says. "She has a whole collage of him above her bed that she made herself!"

As for the designer short formal dresses short formal dresses formal white dresses , Lady Gaga is more her speed. In fact, just a couple of weeks ago, both she and Kit went to see her live in concert.

Rowley — whose designs are known for being sophisticated yet subtly whimsical — began her design career in the early '80s when she showed her first collection to editors in her own New York apartment.

Since then, her line has been sold at Bloomingdale's and Macy's. She has even collaborated to create her own small collection of chic and bedazzled Band-Aids.

With all of the chaos in the designer's life, she says being a mother balances her out.

"I had my kids late, so I was lucky to have already built a substantial career by the time I got pregnant, but I never questioned either choice," she says. "Kids aren't your albatross. In my opinion, they're the best thing that will ever happen to you. They're so much fun."

When the family isn't attending concerts or out catching movies, Rowley and her husband, art editor Bill Powers, enjoy creating craft projects and cooking at home with the kids.

"We cook many times a week together," she says. "I really believe that the creative process can manifest itself in cooking. You can get such a great feeling of satisfaction and self-esteem from cooking and eating something you made yourself."

The family's favorite dish? Macaroni and cheese.

"The kids have their version and the adults have prosciutto and truffle oil on theirs."

These days when she's not at home, Rowley is busy launching her first men's wear line, Mr. Powers (named after her husband), consisting solely of tops. But she says her constant inspiration still comes from her children.

"They say that your creativity spikes after you have kids," she says. "To a child, anything is possible. That attitude has definitely rubbed off on me and helped me achieve much more than I might have otherwise."

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Michelle Smith

Line: Milly by Michelle Smith
Children: Sophia, 4; William, 1
Residence: Upper East Side

Back in 2001, no one thought Michelle Smith was making the right career decision. Not only was the former designer for luxury brands like Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton and Herm&#232 summer dresses summer dresses;s planning to start her own line, she was launching it with then-boyfriend Andrew Oshrin.

"People thought we were so crazy &#8212 evening dress evening dress cocktail party dresses ; a girlfriend and boyfriend going into business," recalls Smith, now 33.

But Smith made a strong statement at a trade show where the label debuted. Immediately, evening gowns dresses the flirty designs caught the eyes of high-end buyers who went on to purchase most of the pieces.

The two business partners eventually sealed the deal and married in 2003, just as Milly took off as a promising new label.

And as the business began expanding, so did Smith's family. In 2007, the designer had her first child, Sophia.

"Having her put a lot into perspective," she says. "Certain things that I used to get really hung up about didn't bother me so much any longer. Like if a blue was a little bit off, big deal. Whereas before I would have been like ‘oh, my God!' "

And on another note: "It was great having my first child a girl because it's so much fun to dress them up," she says.

Sophia has since become the muse for the Milly Mini line. The 4-year-old fashionista has already developed a distinct fashion sense.

"It's ruffles, sparkles and princess clothes," says Smith, laughing. "She loves anything and everything with sparkly fabric."

When the weekend comes around, ­Sophia sprints toward the closet and dons her favorite outfits: tutus, sparkly skirts and Milly mini dresses dresses .

"Thank God she wears a uniform to school during the week because it would be a battle every morning," she quips.

And year-old brother William is following suit.

"He wants everything his older sister wants, bridesmaids dresses " she says. "I'm thinking of including him and making him some speedos for the summer."

As a full-time designer and mother, Smith admits there are challenges.

"The schedule just never ends," she says of her ready-to-wear and swimwear collections. "When you finish one show, on to the next collection. There's just no way to prepare yourself for work and motherhood."

Scheduling a set time with the children seems to help.

"For me, I want to spend the mornings with my children before Sophia goes to school and a little quality time with William in the morning," she says. "It's nice having your own business — you can create your own schedule and your own hours."

And you can make time for simple things.

"Like bouncing a ball," she says. "You don't know how many laughs you get just bouncing a ball down the hallway."