WORTH GETTING OUT OF BED FOR!

Designers who made their names making peachy PJs are taking over the rest of your wardrobe

ONCE upon a time in Milan, at the Prada show…’ if I were to write a book of fashion fairy tales, many would start like this.

During my years of attending the collections, I’ve regaled my non-industry pals with stories of Chanel spaceships and Alexander McQueen catwalks laid out like chessboards. But when it comes to actual honest-to-God clothes

moments? All paths tend to lead back to Miuccia Prada. It was she who showed me the potential of pyjamas, more than a decade ago. They were sheer organza with hand-painted purple and green fairies. Worn with sky-high heels, they were anything but designed for a good night’s sleep.

Blimey! Weren’t pyjamas scratchy, boxy, cotton things your dad wore? Or flammable black polyester meant for dubious attempts at looking slinky in the sack?

It took a while, but the notion of ‘fashion pyjamas’ has taken root, thanks to a host of specialist brands. And now, those labels are using their expertise in luxurious fabrics and comfortable cuts to branch out into ready-to-wear.

So what do clothes designed by sleepwear obsessives look like? Feast your eyes on the summery array here. Desmond & Dempsey’s new capsule collection for H&M (a big deal for a small independent brand) includes breezy linen kaftans, tunics, and this gem of a jumpsuit (middle), all starring its signature nature-inspired patterns. There are also flattering takes on the 1990s slip dress, like this floral style by Yolke (far right), and statement frocks, such as Hesper Fox’s bandeau design with a full skirt (second from left).

My personal favourite? Asceno’s dramatic scarlet sack dress with sweeping tiered hem (third from left). It’s got only one thing in common with a good pair of jim-jams — it will hide a multitude of sins. So bring on that spaghetti carbonara! I could almost be back in Milan…