Discover the ethical purpose-driven nightwear brand where sales of its beautiful pyjamas support vulnerable women as well as a good night’s sleep
IMAGE: (FROM TOP TO BOTTOM) WHITE METALLIC LONG PJ SET, £125; BLUE VELVET LONG PJ SET, £125; RED STRIPED SHORTY PJ SET, £95 ALL SIAN ESTHER
At the end of a busy day, there are few things lovelier than putting on beautiful pyjamas and climbing into a freshly made bed, so we’re always on the look out for great PJ’s. When we spotted nightwear brand Siân Esther, we instantly fell in love with the classic but feminine cuts and gorgeous colourways of their pyjama collection. When we discovered the motivation behind the brand, we fell for them even more.
Former Selfridges and John Lewis buyer Siân Adkins was frustrated by the lack choice when it came to women’s pyjamas (“they were either too sexy or too frumpy,”) and so with her family background in textiles and design, she started working on some pattern ideas with her mother. Tragically, both of Siân’s parents passed away and this triggered a profound period of reflection for her. “I found that grief really affected my sleep and I would often wake in the night, or worry about things that I would never have before,” says Siân. “When something tragic happens, it challenges us to look at things differently – I couldn’t change the situation but I did realise I wanted a purpose to drive me. I knew that the pattern ideas my Mum and I had worked on was something I wanted to build in her legacy and with her ethos of fewer, better quality piece.”
Whist working in London, Siân was troubled by the number of homeless women she saw on the streets, and knew she wanted to create a sleepwear brand with a purpose. “Although I was grieving, I was so grateful for my fantastic support network of friends and family as well as having a lovely home, and I realised that not all women who go through tough situations have this support system.”
IMAGES: (TOP) WHITE METALLIC LONG PJ SET, £125; (BOTTOM LEFT) WHITE OVERSIZED NIGHTSHIRT, £85; (MIDDLE) RED STRIPED SHORTY PJ SET, £95; (RIGHT) RED STRIPED ROBE, £95, ALL SIAN ESTHER
Siân launched her sleepwear brand Siân Esther in 2018, and partners with organisations and charities to help vulnerable women. Siân visited a small ethical factory in Delhi whose attention to detail and quality was second to none, and they now make the brand’s core collection of cotton pyjamas. The makeup bags are made by Freeset in Kolkata, a social enterprise supporting women who were previously trapped in the sex trade industry to gain independence. The brand’s silks collection is made in Cambodia by a small ethical manufacturer, while the espadrille slippers are made in East London by a social enterprise that empowers women who would otherwise find it difficult to get work.
There are many brands who claim to be ethical or that they have a purpose, but few put their money where their mouths are. Through their profits, Siân Esther supports three fantastic charities and enterprises which all work to support vulnerable women: Luminary Bakery, the Marylebone Project and Mercy. “Through the partnerships with our charities, I want to be able to help vulnerable and disadvantaged women to have a safe night’s sleep, and to be able to give them that feeling of comfort and security, like when you put on a pair of PJs,” says Siân.
The pyjamas themselves are comfortable and chic, made from high quality fabrics which have a great drape and lovely trims – you’d be very happy to be seen in them over breakfast. And even better than that, you know that every pair you buy supports vulnerable women. Pyjamas with purpose – what could be better?
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