Introducing: The Siesta Set, Embracing the Art of Louche Living
Do you know that exquisite feeling? The one that washes over you as you slip into your favourite, perfectly worn-in pyjamas at the close of a long day? That sensation of pure, unadulterated comfort is the very essence, the "secret sauce," if you will, behind our new Siesta ‘Pyjama set’. It might sound rather audacious to take cues from sleepwear for garments intended for the wider purpose, wouldn't you say? Yet, this isn't an unprecedented leap for us, nor is it an invention of our own. Our collaboration counterpart, Bowhill & Elliott, famously transformed gentlemen's house slippers into elegant evening footwear in the book of gentlemen’s history, and later, together, we co-created the iconic Street Slippers under our exclusive offering.
In this modern age, such an evolution truly makes perfect sense. A traditional gentleman's sleepwear is, at its heart, simply a matching shirt and loose-fitting trousers. Some might be adorned with decorative, contrasting piping along the edges, perhaps to distinguish them further from a typical day shirt. Historically, they were crafted from delicate materials, such as fine silks, intrinsically linked with a sense of luxury and comfort. However, these materials were never practical to be worn outside the cosy zone; the slightest abrasion could mar their pristine surface.
Not every creation in our world must be rooted in a classical reference. Sometimes, ideas, when repeated and overused, become clichéd, losing their original spark. With the Siesta set, we are chasing a feeling, an imaginative vision. Picture the setting: sun-drenched holidays, leisurely escapes. While it is a matching ensemble, we weren’t setting out to make another suit. Instead, our goal was an ultralight layer for both top and bottom that fully embraces that carefree, no-fuss sensation.
If you are acquainted with seersucker, you'll know it reigns supreme among summer fabrics. Its distinctively crinkled, puckered texture breathes effortlessly, allowing the air to circulate, and frankly, it simply looks supremely cool – even after hours spent on a flight. There's a wonderful tactile quality to it, too; it just feels right for sun-drenched afternoons and lazy days. And the most brilliant aspect? Its enticing texture cleverly conceals any natural folds and creases. Whether you envision yourself as the pensive man gazing into the swimming pool, as immortalised by painter David Hockney, or perhaps as one of the distinguished guests in a Slim Aarons photograph, a breezy seersucker set will never disappoint when the scorching sun beats down.
David Hockney: Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures), 1972, acrylics on canvas, 2.1m x 3.0m
Courtesy The David Hockney Foundation
Slim Aarons: Poolside Party, Estate Edition, 1970, 152.4 x 101.6cm
Courtesy Slim Aarons Foundation
Thus, marrying this exceptional fabric with an entirely new, far looser drawstring fit was an obvious choice. We have eschewed pleats, opting instead for a flat front with a generous straight leg, evoking a truly louche, no-frills aesthetic. Imagine trousers that move in perfect harmony with you, rather than imposing a rigid form. They are designed for true unwinding, allowing you to embrace that unmistakable 'I'm on holiday, leave me alone' sentiment without appearing as though you've just rolled out of bed. It is that impeccable sweet spot between laid-back and genuinely stylish.
Shirt or Overshirt? The Art of Effortless Layering. The Siesta Overshirt is cut with an easy, comfortable silhouette, featuring two oversized waist pockets discreetly integrated into the striped seersucker texture, offering subtle detail without disrupting the clean lines. If one doesn't say, one doesn't know. All we know is, should the desire for a cigarette strike, the pal next to you could effortlessly draw one from his pocket, with lighters at the ready even before you could utter a word – how very thoughtful!
Anyway, wishing you all a good summer. If you are feeling a little drained after a long day sitting on a sun bed, feel free to take a little siesta like those who know how to enjoy life. Salute!
Photography by Alex Natt. Part II of the campaign will be launched on July 7 at 12pm BST. Showcased above is the Siesta Overshirt and Drawstring Trousers in Taupe/Stone.
More styling suggestions by the team below, where our members of the team incorporate house tailoring with the newly launched design. The ‘Pyjama set’ is also available in navy seersucker as shown below.
