Sleeping In Style with Iona Debarge
Sleep is such a huge matter. I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older or if the world has gotten more stressful. To find a good nights sleep I need my rituals - and comfort goes with it. Even better when comfort embraces style like Ione Debarge’s PJ’s. Iona’s collection is more than a sleepwear line. It is a loungewear line you can actually wear to pop down to grab a croissant or a packet of chips, depending on the time of your craving. It is a line that embellishes the rituals after sunset.
We met at a recent Vogue dinner in Paris and had the best time. I love how Iona, the founder of her brand Iona Debarge, steps into her Frenchness in a very elegant English way, and is very nonchalant about her natural sophistication that is so grounding she doesn’t even know it.
I’m happy to introduce you to her here and have you discover her collection that makes me feel special, every time I wear anything from her.
I think you have the most elegant name: Iona Debarge. Can you please tell us your story?
As my name suggests I am a mix of nationalities. My father is from Paris, and growing up I spent my summers in Saint- Maxime in the South of France. I remember playing on the beach, eating delicious meals on the terrace with family and friends, and hearing my father’s stories of his glamorous days in Saint- Tropez lounging in the sun and rubbing shoulders with Bardot and Johnny Hallyday.
My mother is from the Cotswolds in England, when I was young my mother had a beautiful homeware shop based on The Pimlico Road in London. I used to spend my days playing with her soft cotton fabrics, which she used for her nightwear collections. Her passion for her label inspired me but I also wanted to bring in my French side and make sure the pieces were loose and effortless yet well-cut to make a woman feel & look great.
What is your brand motto?
‘Sleep in comfort, wake in style’
Iona you make working from home for me so much more stylish! I mean I can wear my PJ's all the time and no one knows. Wearing yours though just makes me feel more put-together, sophisticated and classy.
I believe that what we think, what we do and what we wear reflects on how we feel and how we let others treat us don't you think?
Yes, that is exactly what we are all about, I am so glad you feel that way – all the work we put into our pieces are about making women feel great from the cut, to the softness of the fabrics and the fresh, uplifting colours that we select.
What are your criteria when it comes to design, fabric choices and details?
We always look for the best quality fabrics as well as making sure it is completely natural for breathability and all-day comfort. The cut is really important to me. I think this is my French side coming out but I love versatile classics, something, which can be worn loosely, yet is tailored in parts to enhance your body shape to make you feel great without any effort from the moment you wake up till you go to bed.
We both share in common to be half of two nationalities, or does that make us double? I prefer to think that. British and French, how do these backgrounds define your style? What other places inspire you?
People often ask me what nationality do I relate to the most. I’m never too sure. Having grown up in the English countryside surrounded by old ancients woods full of fauna & flora gave me a deep love of nature. I always feel a real sense of rejuvenation & enjoyment when I go home which is what I want to bring to my collection. Yet I love good food and the timeless effortless look of the Parisian- it’s a white shirt with a pair of jeans not too much make up. I think it looks fresh, confident and doesn’t distract from who you are.
I am always fascinated by independent women. You open the world to others who might not feel capable to be 'having it all'. As a young woman designer, what lessons have you learned that help you navigate the business world? do you have any advice for other women entrepreneurs out there?
Just go for it! You learn best from putting things out there. You can start small if the big picture feels overwhelming & reach out to people you admire for advice but then just go for it. I think by doing you learn so much more and engage in the reality of your vision, which can be far less scary than we imagine it to be.
Okay let's get down to some serious talk: PJ means home, means rest, sleep and self-care. What does your routine look like?
I love my sleep, my baths and my candles. When I get home from work I cook myself some dinner, warm food is always easier to digest and I find cooking very therapeutic. I love to run myself a bath as it helps me to disconnect from my busy day and move into ‘night mode’. Also, candles are often really good for this too it changes the mood and helps me unwind. I then slip into my softest, cotton pyjamas and switch off my phone, as I don’t like being disturbed during my ‘me time’. I may read a book, or watch a fun movie but always something upbeat that makes me fall asleep with a smile.
Please complete the sentence:
-I always start my days with.... Chi Kung
-I always end my days with....Soft cotton nightwear
The beautiful Iona and I recently sat down for an IG Live where we spoke about slow(er) living, key takeaways above! And, if you missed our chat - you can catch it here.