Two weeks ago, Raphaella Riboud launched her first ever Private Wear collection. Accustomed to elegance – she’s worked at Vogue in London and Christian Dior in Paris – I predicted that her 35-pieces, which range from pyjamas to negligées to dressing
Two weeks ago, Raphaella Riboud launched her first ever Private Wear collection. Accustomed to elegance – she’s worked at Vogue in London and Christian Dior in Paris – I predicted that her 35-pieces, which range from pyjamas to negligées to dressing gowns, would be great. But imagine arriving at Raphaella’s Palais Royal office, hot-on-the-heels of Colette, The Corner Berlin and other fashion-forward boutiques? They had snapped up her inaugural collection, which exemplifies subtle slinkiness and suits a growing need in retail, actually.
Raphaella created Private Wear because she couldn’t find understated essentials that suited her Right Bank existence – they were either too frilly or too butch. I can relate! And so, inspired by her sari-wearing Indian grandmother – cor, I wish my background was as exotic – and Beau Brummell-type dandies, she put together her easy-to-wear staples.
"Raphaella created Private Wear because she couldn’t find understated essentials that suited her Right Bank existence – they were either too frilly or too butch..."
Since I live in pyjamas, I have a serious weakness for her ones, which even boast a tongue-in-cheek black tie version. And having highland roots, I love Raphaella’s silk print which is a winning mixture of the Sutherland tartan and her insignia; entwined Indian love doves, perked up by yellow feet. Still, not being a Little Mrs Millions, I’ll have to choose. And accept that addicted as I am to my Hilditch & Key jammies – acquired over the past decade and religiously bought from every single sale at their rue de Rivoli store – they are wonderfully comfortable but designed for men. True, with all the piping on the pockets and cuffs and endless shades of blue cotton poplin, my H & Ks reflect an old world charm. However, what is ideal for larking around with my daughters and toiling at my desk falls rather short when entertaining at home. So from now on, it’s Private Wear pjs ahoy; either in navy blue jersey or silk.
Natasha Fraser-Cavassoni is a Paris-based British writer who covers fashion and lifestyle as well as being the author of Sam Spiegel – The Biography of A Hollywood Legend, Understanding Chic, an essay from the Paris Was Ours anthology, the soon-to-be released Tino Zervudachi - A Portfolio - as well as the Chanel book, for Assouline's fashion series.
Robert Beck is former New Yorker currently based in Paris. Also known as C.J. Rabbitt, he is the author and illustrator of several children's books, including The Tale of Rabbitt in Paradis, Un Lapin à Paris and the soon-to-be-published A Bunny in the Ballet.
