Here’s to 10 years… and counting
Discover the limited-edition Archive Collection
In the grand scheme of the universe, 10 years isn’t a huge amount of time – but for a fashion brand, and for a Canadian one at that, it’s a good chunk of time. Which is why we’ve just launched the Archive Collection, an exclusive capsule to commemorate The Sleep Shirt’s 10th anniversary.
You’ve probably heard our story before, but who would have thought that back in 2012, when our founder, Central Saint Martins alumni Alexandra Suhner Isenberg, discovered that the 19th century men’s chemise she’d found at a market in London was the most comfortable thing she’d ever slept in, we’d be sitting here 10 years and nearly 40 collections later?!
Over the years, we’ve focused on creating classic, timeless, beautiful pieces, and the Archive Collection is no different. “For Archive, I wanted to create nightshirts that really paid tribute to vintage pieces, but updating them in a way that makes them wearable and versatile for the modern age,” says founder Alexandra Suhner Isenberg. “We paid a lot of attention to the details, choosing the most beautiful lace possible and ensuring everything feels both modern and timeless. I think the result is really beautiful - these are pieces I’ll treasure for years to come.
The five shapes in Archive by The Sleep Shirt were each inspired by a vintage piece found in France, and feature details such as gorgeous pintucks, Victorian-style buttons, blouson sleeves, ruffled hems and delicate lace inserts. Keep reading for more on the inspiration behind each piece.
MEET MARTINE & ALEXANDRINE
Like the brand’s best selling Long and Short Sleep Shirt, the Martine Nightshirt is a versatile piece, with a subtle blouson sleeve and delicate gathers at the back of the neck. Its starting point was an old men’s nightshirt that was made from a single piece of heavy linen, while the Alexandrine Nightie was inspired by an old nightgown from that collection of vintage French pieces. We especially love the sweet ruffle detail at the neck and sleeves, and the three delicate pintucks on the back—details that also make it a gorgeous dress for day.
INTRODUCING DELPHINE & SEVERINE
Delphine and Severine are made from a heavier, more substantial lace. Both were inspired by French priest’s aubes, which was the old, traditional dress of a priest—you can see this in details such as the squared-off neckline. Despite the historic references, hopefully you’ll also see that we’ve tried to give each piece a contemporary feel.
The Delphine is a full-length version of the Severine, and both feature gorgeous tulle embroidery made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, which is the only GOTS-certified embroidered tulle or mesh in the world.
MAKE AN ENTRANCE IN CLEMENTINE
With just five styles in the Archive Collection, it’s hard—actually, impossible—to pick a favourite, but if we had to, it would probably be the Clementine Nightie. With its gathered neckline and slightly exaggerated sleeves, it’s a gorgeous piece that almost feels too precious to wear to bed (though rest assured, we will—as well as out and about). Did we mention the sleeves have an embroidered guipure lace band that’s made using a process that takes 50 times longer than traditional lace weaving? It’s also woven from GOTS-certified organic cotton.
In fact, while we always pay special attention to our fabrics, the Archive Collection feels just that little bit more unique. Besides the gorgeous details and finishing touches, each style comes in a range of fabrics, including a cozy eggshell flannel, a natural linen, a soft cotton, and, of course, our signature Blue Oxford Stripe. A collection—limited-edition or otherwise—by The Sleep Shirt just wouldn’t be the same without it.