My daughter throws back her head, laughing as she sits on the living room floor, her navy sneakers peeking out from under her white tulle petticoat. As we both get stuck into our second piece of birthday cake, I can’t stop gazing at my firstborn. How have I become the mother of an 18-year-old?

Jessica Rowe with her two daughters, Allegra and Giselle Overton.Credit:

Finishing off the last sweet mouthful of buttercream icing, I recognise that my daughter’s laughter and wide smile are still those of the same little girl who’d insist on dressing herself up in layers of princess costumes. What has changed is that the young woman sitting cross-legged in front of me has confidence and a strong sense of self-worth, traits I never had when I was her age.

Like me, Allegra loves the fairytale of fashion, and she has spent almost a year planning this birthday outfit. Her long blonde hair covers her face as she leans over to tie up her shoelaces. I look at her pale peach ball gown skirt and black bandeau top, inspired by the work of designer Isaac Mizrahi, and smile.

Secretly, as........

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