An influencer mum has sparked a heated debate online after sharing photos from her baby daughter's first birthday photoshoot. Kendall Evans Hyzdu marked Ruby Lou's milestone with an intimate studio session, but one image in particular drew criticism from social media users.
The mother-and-daughter photoshoot featured dreamy styling, flowing white drapery and a soft, glowing colour palette. While some followers found the images adorable and sweet, others questioned the decision to include a lingerie-style look and champagne in a shoot celebrating a one-year-old.
Birthday Shoot Under Scrutiny
The studio shoot featured a soft colour palette and an elegant backdrop of flowing white fabric. In one look, Hyzdu wore a sophisticated off-white mini dress with coral-accented slingbacks, while Ruby Lou was dressed in a delicate lace bib top.
The second look took a more intimate direction. Hyzdu appeared in a ruffled silk lounge robe as she drank champagne, while Ruby Lou was shown with her upper body uncovered and wearing only a nappy.
The styling quickly became the focus of discussion, with some users questioning whether the aesthetic was appropriate for a first birthday celebration.
Did Mum Steal the Baby's Spotlight?
Despite some followers calling the photos adorable, sweet and innocent, other commenters said they were uncomfortable with the combination of the lingerie-inspired styling, alcohol and the baby's minimal clothing.
One commenter described the scene as 'gross', questioning why Hyzdu was drinking champagne while the baby was undressed. Another said it took them a while to notice Ruby Lou in the images, arguing that the focus appeared to be more on the mother than the birthday girl.
Others similarly accused Hyzdu of making the milestone about herself. One commenter wrote: 'This is not a [first] birthday celebration, it's just her showing off... I already don't like her.' Another described the mother as having 'main character' behaviour.
One user called the photoshoot 'exploitative' and suggested that the emphasis on creating an original influencer-style theme had distracted from the occasion itself.
Who Is Kendall Evans Hyzdu?
Kendall Evans Hyzdu is a model and lifestyle creator known for sharing fashion, modelling and family-focused content on Instagram. She has maintained a presence on the platform since 2011 and has since expanded her content to include lifestyle and video posts. Her Instagram account, @kendy.du, currently has over 280,000 followers.
Hyzdu has also worked professionally as a model and is represented by The Agency Arizona, which lists her on its talent roster. Arizona Foothills Magazine previously featured her as a model in its 2019 Best of Our Valley coverage.
The Rise of Influencer Mum Culture
The rise of 'mumfluencer' culture has made everyday motherhood increasingly visible online, from parenting routines and fitness journeys to family milestones and carefully styled photoshoots. But putting children at the centre of social media content can also invite intense scrutiny, particularly when followers feel a parenting choice crosses a line.
A recent Fashion Times story about influencer Angela Holm showed how quickly a seemingly ordinary parenting post can trigger debate, after she was criticised for using a treadmill while carrying her baby.
That same dynamic can be seen whenever influencer mums share highly curated moments involving their children. What one follower sees as relatable or creative content may strike another as inappropriate or overly focused on the parent. With audiences quick to weigh in, even a carefully planned family photoshoot can become a much bigger conversation.
