Dolce and Gabbana Child Collection FW 2013 and pannolini cakes

Elisa della Barba More from this author See all team

They are mother and daughter, and they share a passion: babies and everything related to them. When Linda finds out that her daughter, Tiziana, is pregnant, a new project starts, made with love and fun...

Linda Canziani and Tiziana Emede, mother and daughter, work together for something they love, quoting from their answers when I ask them to describe briefly who they are. Linda was born in Mestre but moved to Argentina at 3 years old, where she lived for a long time and where her son and daughter were born. But how did the project start? When Linda got to know that her daughter was going to have a child, surfing on the web she found out about diaper “cakes” that were given as gifts at baby shower (parties that the future mum’s friend held to celebrate and give gifts). So Linda realised the first diaper cake (or "pannolini cake" from the name of the website) for her daughter. Friends of hers liked the idea and that's how people commissioned others...

The project was born almost just by chance, mixing Linda's passion for handcrafting and love for babies and Tiziana joined in. Mother and daughter in life and friends and colleagues for Pannolini Cakes, they know they are lucky to have each other. Their business is doing well: in Italy it is still relatively new and word of mouth is key to get new business.

It needs to be said that every single element that composes the ‘cakes’ (that can also take the form of a guitar, a moto, a crib) is not only beautiful but can also be used for the baby. Creative and caring, every project carries commitment and love. In exclusive for Swide, Tiziana and Linda have created pannolini cakes with Dolce&Gabbana Child Collection FW 2013 baby products.

But let’s ask them directly how it works.

What are the cakes really made of?

The base “ingredient” is always diapers, of course. The number varies depending on how big the cake is. In order to make the cake more beautiful we decorate it with all sort of useful things: bodysuit, socks, hats, bibs, shoes, feeding bottle, toys, food and care products...We also always cover diapers with towels or fabrics so that the hygiene is 100% safe.

The website (www.pannolinicakes.it), where you can order the pannolini cakes (but you can order also through mail: pannolinicake@gmail.com) reads: "diaper cakes for baby showers handmade in Italy". How much Italy there is in these products, and how?

All the products we use are Italian, and we also changed the style of the cakes and adapted more to an Italian taste. Our clients can also ask us to personalise them, so you always - if you want - get something unique, from scratch. Sometimes we even knit some elements...

What does it mean to be a Mum today, Tiziana?

I became a mother two years ago and since them my life changed completely. I don't think there is anything similar on Earth, you know what I am talking about only if you have kids. It's not easy to be a parent, it's a huge responsibility. I really hope to pass to my son my values and that he can feel all my love for him. I hope he'll be proud of me just as I am proud of my parents.

What does it mean being a Grandmother, Linda?

It feels like going through the parenting experience without repeating the same mistakes I have made with my children! And be of support to your daughter in educating them. It's nice to entertain him cooking together, playing with handmade toys, learning to love animals, even watering the plants. Simple things, not material but meaningful. I have to say he loves sports above all, though!

Any advice for dealing with babies?

"Enjoy them! I have hugged and carried my son in my arms a lot. Many women are afraid to spoil them, but babies need their moms just like when they were in her belly. Time passes by so fast and people who don't enjoy these moments are going to regret it when their kids are not going to want to be hugged because they prefer to go play! Also, communicate with them, interact is very important."