Studio Visit: The Sleep Shirt

When I discovered The Sleep Shirt, a crisp, classic and beautifully made unisex nightshirt, it was love at first sight (immediately followed by making certain I could offer it in my stores). A Montreal-based sleepwear company led by Alexandra Suhner Isenberg and Megan McEwan, The Sleep Shirt began with that unisex nightshirt in two lengths, and has evolved into a capsule collection of comfortable, good looking sleepwear that you can sleep, lounge, or even go out in.

Alexandra and Megan were kind enough to welcome us in for a look at their creative space and process. I hope you enjoy this look inside. XXJKE

R+T: Tell us a bit about how The Sleep Shirt, and your partnership, came to be…

Alexandra: I started the brand in 2012 as a side project while I had my kids. At the time, I was also teaching a few classes at a local fashion design school, and Megan was one of my students. When she graduated, I asked her to come on board as an assistant because I knew she had a good eye, great attention to detail and an excellent work ethic. In 2013, after my second child was born, I decided it was time to ramp up the business. That’s when I asked Megan to join as a partner, because I needed someone talented who could really commit to the business during the vital growth stage. It was a great decision – we work really well together.

R+T: What are your ingredients for the perfect sleepwear?

Megan: Soft, long-lasting and unfussy.

Alexandra: Comfortable, machine washable, natural fibers, good looking, and covers enough so that I can walk around the country house in front of my in-laws and not feel exposed.

R+T: Can you share some of your influences and inspirations?

Megan: Not only do I love classics but also a little bit of tomboy style. The Sleep shirt embodies both of these perfectly, in a way that is just so effortless. I get inspired by vintage clothing a lot. Anything from traditional shirting, to military or even service uniforms. I am constantly turning thifted garments inside out to see how they are put together, obsessing over little details like the stitching on a collar or the way a side seam slit is finished. I’m very taken by the attention to detail that was put into everyday and every-persons’ clothes of eras gone by.

Alexandra: I’ve always been inspired by the crispness and sharp lines of shirts, which has translated well to our nightwear. In my college days I was obsessed with Helmut Newton and Halston (the original…) and while I am still very attracted to their work, these days I find myself most inspired by designers who manage to make truly comfortable stylish clothing. It’s easy to be comfortable, but to do it while looking chic is a much bigger challenge. Making that beautiful cashmere sweater or perfect fit jeans that you can wear day in and day out – that’s a challenge.

R+T: What are each of your favorites, whether it be for sleeping or lounging?

Megan: Hands down it’s the original: Short Sleep Shirt in Blue Oxford Stripe. Can’t beat a classic! But lately I’ve become more than a little obsessed with any of the pieces in linen – it washes and wears so well and develops this soft gentle wrinkle that is just so stunning. It feels like you’re sleeping in a cloud.

Alexandra: I love the Long Sleep Shirt in Blue Oxford Stripe. As I mentioned above, I spend a lot of time in the countryside with my in-laws and I love a nightshirt that covers me up.

R+T: Any new product offerings on the horizon?

Alexandra: Lots! Spring is going to be amazing with lots of beautiful linens, a lovely pale gray fabric, and some new shapes. We’ve added our first blacks for Pre Fall, which we are really excited about (Megan and I are going to be placing large personal orders in black…)

R+T: How long have you been in this space and how did you find it?

Megan: Since July 2014. I was moving to Montreal to start a new chapter in my life and had an old friend and former colleague call me up one day. She is also a designer and is the wildly talented owner of the handbag line The Stowe and was moving into a new space that her and another friend were managing. As she described the 4000sqft white-brick, light filled, former warehouse space I did my best to feign a casual interest telling her (and myself) that I’d have to think about it. But I think we both knew from that very first conversation that I was in. It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I was working out of my apartment back in Vancouver and to be catapulted from that to land right in the heart of Montreal’s creative culture was a dream come true. There are several of us who share the space, and being surrounded by other young ambitious creatives, be it fashion, jewelry or photography, is absolutely invigorating.

R+T: Tell us about a typical day in the studio…

Megan: My day usually starts with a cup of tea and Skype session with Alex, if she is in Europe. She is could be six hours ahead of me, as well as our agency, so there is always plenty of catch up to do first thing. After going through emails and coordinating production/distribution/photography needs on my end, I pack up and ship out any web orders that have come in that day (hopefully there are lots!). Then once everyone stops working on the other side of the world and my email quiets down is when I get to settle into the good stuff. Whether it’s developing new designs, pattern making, or sewing prototypes I get the chance to be more hands-on.

Alexandra: I’m not in the studio full time with Megan because I work out of Europe most of the time, so that I can better manage our European operations. My typical day starts at 7:15 when my husband leaves with the kids for daycare. I work until 10am (emails get done first), take Wanda (my husky) for a walk, work out, eat lunch, and get back to work. Meetings are usually in the afternoon since most of my team is in North America. I normally finish around 4:30 or 5pm, although sometimes I squeeze in another hour after the kids are in bed. I’m a morning person so that last hour at night is never very productive…

R+T: What are your three must­-haves in the studio?

Megan:

1. After we got one of our first big accounts I treated myself to a nice Koh-I-Noor mechanical drafting pencil. Now I can’t imagine life without it.

2. A good grid ruler

3. Natural sunlight

Alexandra:

1. A standing desk (it is so much better than sitting down)

2. Access to coffee at all times

3. Pilot V5 Extra Fine pens