Designer Files | Isla Day
Here at Story Magazine we are enthusiastic about a good brand and one such line is Isla Day by Jaya Sharma, a pyjama brand. We got to speak to Sharma about PJ’s and Isla Day. Please read on…
1. Why sleepwear? Why pyjamas?
I love pjs! I find everything about them so cosy, and more importantly wearing matching pyjamas. It makes me feel perfectly put together when I go to bed and wake up. I also learnt quickly during the pandemic that when you have early morning deliveries, it’s much easier to jump straight out of bed and answer the door when you already know you’re wearing something that looks good.
2. A tip on how to keep our pyjamas glamorous?
Modal cotton is a great fabric as it very durable but also has great stretch to it, which is what makes it so soft. The best and most environmentally friendly way to look after them is to handwash them, this makes sure the fibres stay strong in the fabric.
3. Your current favourite pair to wear?
My favourite pair at the moment is the Tartan pair. They are really warm and cosy and definitely my go to pair. They will also look great if you hitting ski season this year!
4. The story behind the Isla Day brand and how it came to be?
As I said I love pyjamas, but I was struggling to find pyjamas that were stylish and good quality. I also really like the idea of sustainable fashion, which doesn’t just mean using fabrics better for the environment, but being sustainable in style. A classic pyjama silhouette never goes out of fashion, and I thought if I can perfect that style and fit with good quality, then it really is a sustainable product.
5. What’s inspiring you currently?
I’m really like the fact that people are stripping back and looking at simplistic ways to live. People are more into recycling and living sustainably. I think the pandemic forced us to live being more resourceful. It’s true what they say, simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication and this mantra is definitely inspiring our next drop launching in February.
6. Marilyn Monroe or Ingrid Bergman in a pair of your pyjamas and why?
Both incredible, but would have to be Marilyn Monroe as she is so iconic.
7. What can we expect from you in 2022?
In 2022 we really want to invest more in what we know works well but also try a couple of smaller one-off collections. We are currently exploring how we can be more sustainable in our practices, which includes using recycled polyester and moving manufacturing to be more local. We also want to bring some sleep accessories to market, which we have been working on for a while and will be launching very soon!
8. Your most pinch me moment since starting the brand?
There’s been a few, from magazine features (like this!) to seeing influencers in the Pjs. I really started all this with no expectations, so for the brand to grow how it has in the first year has been amazing.
9. Tell us why you decided to collaborate with Mind on your Christmas ‘Joy’ pyjamas (see below image). How did it come about?
I think most people have been impacted or know someone impacted by mental health issues. Christmas isn’t always a happy occasion for people and a lot of people struggle during this time of year. So, I wanted to recreate the classic Isla Day pyjamas, focusing on a Christmassy colour and a word commonly associated with Christmas but that can also mean different things to different people.
I wanted the word joy on the pjs as a reminder it can be found anywhere at any time. I also wanted to donate profits from the Joy pyjamas to Mind, as they are a great charity which offer a lot of resources to people who are struggling with their mental health or want to learn more about how to help others.
10. If we are to shop just one pair of pyjamas from you which should they be?
It has to the be the classic full moon white. They are so glam, comfy and timeless. I also saw someone recently wear the shirt with leather pants on a night out which I thought looked very chic!
A girl cannot go wrong with a great pair of pyjamas. Invest in a pair or three at Isla Day here. Many kind thanks to the brand for the interview.