Joel and Molly, Founders of renowned sleepwear label, Desmond & Dempsey have Sunday’s down to a tee – regardless of whether they’re checking out flea markets in England or hitting the beach in Australia – the common factor, of course, is their super comfy, super slouchy and uber cool pj’s.
We caught up with Molly (The Dempsey part of the duo), about business, pj’s and waking up on the other side of the world.
TELL US ABOUT DESMOND & DEMPSEY AND HOW IT ALL CAME ABOUT?
Well, the short of a very long story… Joel and I met in Whistler and did long distance for almost two years. We always Skyped on Sundays. When I moved to London, my collection of frilly nighties did not pass the housemate test, so I took to wearing Joely’s shirt. It was cute, but the dry-cleaning bills were not… So one day we went to Selfridges to find my own set, however the choices seemed to be so limited, it was either silk PJs which I couldn’t afford, or more affordable but plain sets which I didn’t want either, there seemed to be nothing in between. We thought how hard could it be? One year later we made our first set of D&D’s.
WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND THE BRAND’S NAME?
It is the worst kept secret ever, but it is mine and Joel’s grandfather’s names. Joel is the Desmond, I am the Dempsey.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
A typical day, hmmm they don’t exist at the moment, and as routine lover, I find it a real challenge. We have SLEEP hours at D&D, so the night owls can start late and the early birds can finish early… I usually get to the studio at 10am, so I have the morning to either go for walk, or work on a creative project or new collection before the emails start… Things I do in a day can include working on the direction of a new collection, feeding back on prints and designs, this year we have a few special collaborations so meeting with our partners, looking at budgets with Joel, planning the next photoshoot, brainstorming with our PR team, meeting our wholesale partners and putting together range plans. Thank goodness we have an amazing team!
WHAT DOES YOUR IDEAL SUNDAY CONSIST OF?
Oh this is so tricky!!! I have an Aussie ideal one and an English one!!
In Australia, it is about waking up at the coast and going for a big walk along the beach before jumping in the ocean to cool down. Then a big breakfast before going back down to the beach for the day with all my cousins and friends. We would then head up to the surf club for an afternoon of fish and chips and live music…
In London, an ideal Sunday starts with coffee, books and magazines in bed!!! Breakfast at home (in D&D’s of course) before heading to an antique or local farmers market… I LOVE a market anywhere in the world really. After lugging home so many great finds, heading to the pub for an early roast with friends or family. I love being at home on Sunday nights and pottering around the house getting ready for the week, maybe watching a movie.
HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR COFFEE?
With lots of milk. I know, so ordinary.
WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN SOURCES OF INSPIRATION?
Travelling. I usually fall in love with people and their ideas and their habits. I love antique shops or local markets. I get totally swept away in a story.
FAVOURITE D&D PIECE?
Hmmm tough one. The Deia Signature Set was our first ever product and I think will always be my true love. At the moment though, I am having a fling with the wide leg trouser and cami sets!!
WHAT’S NEXT?
Our mission is to spend Sundays waking up with family across the world. There are a couple of hints in there… We also have some really cool collaborations in the works, which I can’t say too much about just yet. All things to make your Sundays magical though…
AND WHAT ARE YOU LOVING RIGHT NOW?
That the days are getting longer. I LOVE waking up to the light. I also really love the seasons. Growing up in Queensland the landscape doesn’t really change, so it’s kind of thrilling for me… I am also finally, learning to love the leadership side of D&D. Our team has grown so quickly I have found managing really difficult and not particularly enjoyable. Recently though I have met a series of people who have shown me new ways of doing things, and it has really inspired me to think about it differently.
GO TO: desmondanddempsey.com
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Inspiration/Image Credits: desmondanddempsey.com
