Eva Mendes on How Culture, Motherhood, and Ryan Gosling Shaped Her New York & Co. Collection

"I think it's important for me to pour anything personal into my clothing because my experiences, where I'm from, and where I am at this point in my life is all I have to offer. I feel like when the collection has not been as personal to me, it hasn't been successful in the way that I like it to be. It's important that women know that I really care and labor over these things, and I fight for pockets in dresses because we should have them! I fight for quality zippers and other things because it's not just about wearing beautiful clothes, but it's about having quality pieces at affordable prices. The only way I truly love what I do is if I really make it personal."