The notion of sleepwear as daywear is having something of a moment. The humble pyjama, once a strictly nocturnal mode of dress, has shed its rather ‘tired’ image of late and become the epitome of 24/7 style.
However, for designer Francesca Ruffini, pyjama dressing is less about a trend and more to do with a personal style preference. “I’d never found anything that would allow me to be both comfortable and elegant at home,” she revealed to The Wall Street Journal. And thus her loungewear label, For Restless Sleepers (F.R.S.), was born out of a desire to bring an element of sophistication to downtime dressing.
Making its debut at Milan Fashion Week back in September 2015, the label’s luxurious silk pyjamas, which are adorned with exclusive prints and signature contrast piping, have fast become must-haves, reflecting fashion’s relaxed new mood.
Francesca Ruffini at work in her Como studio / Photo: yahoo.com
Born and raised in Como, Ruffini still calls the Italian city home today. With its longstanding tradition of silk production, it’s also where the designer’s ideas and inspirations are woven into the exclusive F.R.S fabrics, as well as the location of the brand’s atelier. The pyjamas are “100% made in Como,” she told the New York Times, “like me.”
While maintaining a distinct and now familiar 1950s and 1960s influence, the designer deftly refines the label’s aesthetic each season. As well as mining the archives of local silk makers for inspiration, Ruffini also looks to books, films, trips and photos for new ideas to infuse her collections. For Spring 2017, she was inspired by her travels to Japan. Japanese prints feature on the brand’s sumptuous fabrics, and the traditional pyjama jacket has been re-imagined with the country’s kimono firmly in mind.
Carmen pictured in London in her F.R.S. pyjamas
As well as their obvious ease and comfort, it is the pyjamas’ versatility that has also fascinated Ruffini. Each one of her elegant styles has been designed to be worn from dawn until dusk, and with each set consisting of a pair of trousers, pyjama jacket and a silk bra, she also advocates mixing and matching the pieces with other items from our wardrobes, making the idea of pyjama dressing eminently more accessible.
Sarah Rutson / Photo: wsj.com
Despite any misgivings one may have in adopting this mode of dress, there is, according to Ruffini, only one requirement necessary to carry it off, and that’s attitude. “Being yourself and at ease in such an intimate garment is a fantastic feeling”. We’re sold.
Shop For Restless Sleepers on Farfetch here.