Australian designer Molly Goddard, one half of the duo behind London-based nightwear brand Desmond & Dempsey – which she started with her husband out of a shared love for Sundays and the dress code that comes with them – knows how to make PJs.
Selling out of every collection they have made so far, their indulgent yet adventurous lifestyle collection, which ranges from PJs to nighties and accessories, fills the gap in the market for low maintenance sleepwear with a luxurious, distinctive style.
With every collection inspired by prints (often discovered on her travels) – a Mexican tale, a Spanish palm, the power of a tiger – here, Molly tells us about her most memorable trips, her idea of a luxury getaway and the genius way she turns a delayed flight into an extension of her holiday.
Growing up in Australia, most school holidays were spent at the beach with cousins and surfboards. So the first holiday that felt like a real ‘trip’ was a family holiday in my first year of high school to SilverStar, a very quaint ski resort in Canada. I remember the outfit I wore on the plane, and the diary my grandma bought me to document my travels.
What’s been your most memorable trip and why?
It’s between Mexico and India. Both were ‘technically’ for work, but I remember them being moments in my life when I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to be there. They both sparked my greatest creative curiosities.
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What’s the biggest lesson you’ve taken from your travels?
That curiosity is the most important thing for creativity.
If I could go anywhere tomorrow I’d go to:
Egypt.
How would you spend an ideal afternoon in your home city?
At the pub with my closest friends and family. Home is London or Brisbane. To me, time spent at ‘home’ means time with loved ones.
What’s your idea of a luxury holiday?
Endless time and a morning swim.
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Where do you get your holiday inspiration?
The OG word of mouth – friends.
How do you recover from jet lag?
Putting on an eye mask and having a nap. Also, a cocktail when arriving on holiday, and good bone broth soup when arriving home.
What’s your in-flight beauty routine?
In-flight, I use Proshine exfoliating wipes as soon as I can, and then every serum and moisturiser I can get my hands on.
Your flight’s delayed an hour and your phone’s out of battery. How do you pass the time?
I always have a book on me. Plus a plate of French fries, a glass of wine, a novel – and I will think of it as an extension of a holiday.
Favourite airline?
Qantas or British Airways. Both remind me of going home.
What’s on your travel playlist?
Young Hearts Run Free by Candi Staton, Mi Negita by Devendra Banhart, Stay High – the Childish Gambino version.
What are your must-have travel picks?
D&D silk eye mask, D&D nightie, Rowse suncream, Olympus film camera, A.Emery sandals and a big rattan bag (mine is a really old one that I got from a little rattan-only shop in Mallorca). I love it once they look like they have been really loved.
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Where next?
Rome.
FIRST THING THAT COMES TO YOUR MIND…
Hand-luggage essential?
A novel.
Packing: roll or fold?
Fold. Shove? Squeeze? Sit on?
Inflight book or inflight film?
Book.
Time killer on a long-haul flight?
Clearing through a camera roll.
Holiday tipple of choice?
Tequila.
Bucket list trip?
A safari.
Beach or City?
Beach.
Best holiday gem found abroad?
Most of our dinnerware has been packed in suitcases and bought home.
Ultimate holiday treat?
No clock watching.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?