Latest news with #PetitePlume
Forbes
30-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Inside Petite Plume's First Decade: Growth, Grit, And Gorgeous Pajamas
Ten years in, Petite Plume has found continued success in the luxury sleepwear space, selling a pair ... More of its signature pajamas every 20 seconds. Courtesy of Petite Plume For most, navigating a high-paced career and raising multiple children would be considered a very full plate, one that leaves little time for much else. For Emily Hikade, there was still something missing. Ten years ago, she was juggling undercover missions as a Counterterrorism Case Officer at the CIA by day and raising three young boys (a fourth would soon follow) at home in East Africa by night. Somewhere between covert operations and bedtime stories, she began building a sleepwear brand—one rooted in timeless design, uncompromising quality, and the quiet magic of family moments. What started as a side project stitched together in the midnight hours would become Petite Plume, a now beloved, founder-owned company that sells a pair of its signature pajamas every 20 seconds and is carried in more than 600 stores nationwide. "For the first few years, it was just me," Hikade recalls. "I wasn't just the founder—I was logistics, customer support, marketing, and everything in between." That hands-on crash course in entrepreneurship set the foundation for what Petite Plume would eventually become: a profitable, purpose-driven brand built on elegance, emotion, and enduring charm. Petite Plume may be best known for its timeless sleepwear, but its origin story is anything but traditional. Hikade credits her time at the CIA with shaping her unshakable confidence and adaptability. "I approached this the same way I would any mission in my previous life: with focus, resourcefulness, and the belief that challenges are simply opportunities most people walk away from." That mindset has paid off. In 2024 alone, the company experienced a staggering 76% year-over-year growth—nearly doubling its eight-figure revenue while maintaining profitability. That surge was the result of a series of deliberate, disciplined decisions, all designed to scale the brand without compromising its values. "We remained laser focused on what matters: brand, product, and customer," Hikade says. The company relaunched its website, leaned into storytelling, and found viral success with styles like 'The Olivia.' Home goods were another breakout category, particularly over the holidays, and strategic partnerships with Eden Rock, Hotel del Coronado, Maman, and Parachute further built the brand's elegant world and expanded its reach. Emily Hikade credits her time at the CIA with shaping her adaptability when building Petite Plume. Courtesy of Petite Plume "Our competitive advantage lies in two things: uncompromising quality and deep emotional connection," Hikade explains. Petite Plume is made with the finest Peruvian cotton and Mulberry silk, and its heirloom-quality designs are woven into life's most meaningful moments—holiday traditions, bedtime routines, and cozy Sunday mornings. Unlike for many brands that see this kind of success early on, though, growth hasn't meant dilution for Petite Plume. "Staying true to our DNA isn't something we're willing to compromise [on] as we grow. It's the reason we've been able to grow," says Hikade. The brand has never taken outside funding and has been profitable since day one, giving Hikade the freedom to scale with intention. Every expansion, from new product categories to strategic retail partnerships, is filtered through a single question: Does this feel distinctly Petite Plume? One defining moment came in 2016, when Prince George famously wore Petite Plume pajamas to meet President Obama at Buckingham Palace. "That iconic image swept the news cycle and gave Petite Plume a very nice brand (and sales!) boost," Hikade says. She had no PR team at the time, and the moment served as both a surprise and a milestone. The brand has since expanded well beyond children's pajamas. It now offers sleepwear and loungewear for the whole family, as well as home goods and holiday accessories—with plans to continue evolving into a full lifestyle brand. Hospitality partnerships have become a powerful channel for discovery, too. "It's not just distribution; it's brand immersion," Hikade says. 'These placements allow guests to experience Petite Plume firsthand in environments that reflect our values—elevated, warm, and memory-making.' What began as a children's brand now offers sleepwear and loungewear for the whole family, as well ... More as home goods and holiday accessories. Courtesy of Petite Plume Still, the journey hasn't been without hurdles. Building a clean, heirloom-style pajama line meant navigating the complex world of CPSC regulations around flame retardancy. Most U.S. brands opt for chemical treatments; Hikade instead sourced a proprietary fabric blend from a factory that produced firefighter uniforms. 'It was a non-starter for me to use chemicals,' she explains. "I wanted a cleaner, safer alternative for children." As for the broader market, Hikade sees a clear path ahead. "We're committed to staying at the forefront by leading with thoughtful classic designs, never straying from prioritizing high-quality materials, and always investing in our brand identity," she says. Hikade has learned a lot from the success, and challenges, she's experienced with Petite Plume--and she hopes to share some of those lessons with her fellow founders. "There is never a good time to start a company," she says. "Certainly not when you have a full-time job, three little kids, and are living in East Africa. But you have to put one foot in front of the other and know that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." She also wants more women to know that they don't need a conventional resume or outside capital to succeed. "You need conviction, grit, and an unwavering belief in your vision," Hikade says. After years of working undercover in regions where women had no seat at the table, she now stands at the helm of a brand that's redefining modern luxury—on her own terms. "If my journey can help inspire someone, then it's worth sharing," she says. 'Whether it's working counterterrorism or building a $100-million company, women can do anything they put their minds to.'
Fashion Value Chain
20-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Purpose is the New Power
How Women Are Redefining Impact at the Intersection of Fashion, Beauty, and Business At the 2025 Women of Impact Summit, hosted by Delivering Good, a new narrative emerged: one where purpose-led leadership and cross-industry collaboration are shaping the future of fashion and beyond. 2025 DG WOIS Photo Credit Layra Marte In an era where storytelling and social value are as critical as silhouette and stitch, the 2025 Women of Impact Summit at the Fashion Institute of Technology brought together more than 250 leaders to celebrate a rising shift in the fashion and textile world — the growing fusion of purpose and profit. Hosted by nonprofit Delivering Good, an organisation that connects individuals and families in need with new products that open doors to hope, dignity, and opportunity. The event focused on how women are leveraging fashion, beauty, tech, and finance to build more equitable, conscious, and community-driven futures. The Summit's panels reflected a broader movement taking hold across the creative economy. Fashion is about what your brand stands for. Industry veterans and new voices alike discussed how sustainability, inclusivity, and digital disruption are no longer niche concerns but foundational pillars. A standout trend? Radical reinvention. Journalist Lisa Marsh set the tone early by encouraging attendees to 'stay curious' and embrace multi-hyphenate careers — a nod to how today's fashion leaders are shifting from legacy roles into multi-sector entrepreneurship. This was echoed by Emily Hikade of Petite Plume, whose transition from CIA operative to luxury sleepwear founder shows how agility and vision are reshaping leadership pathways in the fashion world. Throughout the day, fashion insiders and adjacent innovators explored how impact is no longer measured solely by the bottom line. In the Beauty, Unfiltered panel, inclusive branding was reframed not as an initiative but as an imperative. As a panellist and 2020 Miss Earth, Lindsey Coffey noted, 'The next generation of leaders is not waiting to be handed power, they're creating it. And beauty, when it's unfiltered and inclusive, can be a catalyst for real change.' Key themes that emerged across the Summit included: Sustainable Supply Chains as Standard: From material innovation to end-of-life circularity, sustainability was not positioned as a trend, but the new baseline for ethical production. Financial Equity Meets Fashion: Executives from Blackstone, Salesforce, and Mastercard discussed how wealth-building tools must be accessible — particularly for women in creative fields navigating entrepreneurship. Tech-Enabled Creativity: From AI-powered retail platforms to digital try-ons and intelligent inventory management, the conversation spotlighted how tech continues to merge with fashion to elevate customer experience and reduce waste. Emotional Impact of Clothing : Stories from Delivering Good's partners revealed a quieter but deeply resonant trend — clothing as a form of emotional restoration. FIT President Dr. Joyce Brown and high school student Khosi Ahmed both emphasised how receiving new apparel builds confidence and dignity in vulnerable communities. The presence of powerhouse names like Danessa Myricks, Sarah Miyazawa LaFleur and KraveBeauty's Liah Yoo drove home one clear takeaway: the future of fashion belongs to those who lead with purpose and aren't afraid to challenge the system. Andrea Weiss, Board Chair of Delivering Good, shared, 'For 40 years, Delivering Good has been making an impact, not just the buzzword but a real impact in the lives of those facing poverty, disaster, and other social challenges. The intersection with the Women of Impact Summit lies in the fact that many of the recipients of DG's work are women: women rebuilding after natural disasters, young women ageing out of foster care, women fleeing domestic violence or trafficking. The link between the Summit and Delivering Good's mission is clear: when we engage and empower women, we can change entire communities.' From the C-suite to the supply chain, women are rewriting the rules of fashion and textiles, proving that conscious leadership isn't just aspirational, it's actionable.
Elle
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
The Father's Day Gifts You'll Secretly Want for Yourself
Forget the clichés. This year's best Father's Day gifts go beyond the usual ties and toolkits, offering a sharper, more thoughtful edit for dads with real taste. Whether he's into minimalist grooming, off-duty fashion, or high-performance tech, this curated list covers every interest and personality type—with a few surprises in the mix. From under-$100 gems to stylish wardrobe upgrades and bucket-list experiences, these are the gifts he'll actually want to unwrap. Under-$100 Gifts Looking to make a big impact without blowing your budget? These under-$100 finds, from a sleek Casio watch to the cult-favorite Creed Aventus fragrance, look far more expensive than they actually are. Even New Balance sneakers and a classic Ralph Lauren cap make the list, proving style and substance don't have to come at a premium. Petite Plume Pajama Set Casio MTP-1302 Series Watch Creed Aventus Fragrance Polo Ralph Lauren Chino Sport Cap New Balance 2002R Sneakers Practical Gifts These smart, functional gifts make everyday life a bit easier—and more luxurious. Think Quip's sleek electronic toothbrush, Apple's viral AirPods Max, and a Burberry sock upgrade he can get excited about. Quip Ultra™ Next Generation Toothbrush Apple AirPods Max Headphones Burberry Cotton Check Socks Mark & Graham Watch and Sunglasses Travel Case Dior Sauvage Skin Care Ritual Set Stylish Gifts If his wardrobe could use a refresh, these fashion-forward picks will do the trick. We're talking a breezy Todd Snyder sweater polo, a Saint Laurent gabardine blazer, and the kind of Bottega Veneta wallet he'll keep forever. Todd Snyder Linen Sweater Polo Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Slim Leather Bifold Wallet Gucci Guilty Love Edition Pour Homme Saint Laurent Jacket in Wool Gabardine Sabah Fort Worth Brown Baba Experiential Gifts Sometimes, the best gift isn't an item—it's a memory. Whether it's a sushi-making class, a private golf lesson from a PGA Pro, or a ResortPass staycation, these ideas offer unforgettable experiences worth splurging on. Ultimate Supercar Racing Experience ResortPass Digital Gift Card Brooklyn Private Golf Lesson with a PGA Pro Airbnb Moroccan Elegance Home New York City Japanese Sushi Cooking Class Outdoorsy Gifts For the dad who loves the great outdoors, this lineup is equal parts rugged and refined. The Snow Peak portable fireplace, Yeti beverage set, and National Park bucket list journal make camping look chic. National Park Bucket List & Adventure Guide Mission Cooling Bucket Hat Yeti King Crab Orange Rambler Beverage Set Snow Peak Takibi Solo Portable Fireplace Vikken 300ml Go+ max Portable Travel Bidet Now 10% Off Fun Gifts Inject a little humor or nostalgia into Father's Day with playful picks like a dad joke mug, Lego McLaren mini-figure, or Casamigos cocktail kit. For the gamer dad, the Nintendo Switch 2's Mario Kart bundle is a guaranteed hit. Jonathan Adler French Bulldog S&P Set Casamigos x Williams Sonoma Cocktail Gift Set Lego Icons McLaren MP4/4 Minifigure Uncommon Goods Dad Joke Mug Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle Sporty Gifts For the fitness-focused or sports-obsessed, these picks score major points. Highlights include Prada's luxe golf charm, a Lululemon polo that works on and off the course, and a custom New York Times football book for the sentimental fan. New York Times Custom Football Book Lululemon Logo Sport Polo Short Sleeve Kenko Walnut Dumbbell Set Armani Plage Beach tennis set Prada Saffiano Leather Golf Tee Charm High-Tech Gifts Upgrade his gadget game with this edit of cutting-edge tech. Whether it's a sleek Samsung Frame TV, a compact Sony camera, or a smart bird feeder with a built-in camera, these gifts merge innovation with design. Samsung 55-Inch Class The Frame Smart TV Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera Only Fly Bird Feeder with Camera Moleskine Smart Writing Set Miko Foot Massager Machine Why Trust ELLE Every product featured on is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.
New York Times
30-05-2025
- General
- New York Times
Our Favorite Summer Pajamas for Kids
Petite Plume We love Petite Plume's Kid's Twill Pajama Set and Kid's Flannel Nightgown for their soft feel and timeless look. Petite Plume makes a shortie version of the twill pajama set and several charming sleeveless twill nightgowns. The Kid's Twill Short Set is made with tightly woven cotton-modacrylic fabric that has a crisp, airy feel, reminiscent of clean cotton sheets drying on a line. It's offered in several patterns and striped colors, and it's finished with contrast piping and a sweet little pocket on the short-sleeved button top, just like the long-sleeved version. The shorts fit like boxers, and the top is pleasantly roomy. The shorts shrank a little in the wash, but we didn't miss the lost length. We found them to be true to size. Our testers are ready for bed in the Petite Plume Kid's Twill Short Set and Girl's Twill Amelie Nightgown. Laura Motley for NYT Wirecutter We also like the Twill Amelie Nightgown, which is just as nostalgic as its winter cousin, the flannel nightgown. It features the same smooth twill fabric as the shorts set, has sweet details like ruffle trim on the shoulders, and comes in several summery prints, such as sailboats, bumblebees, and stripes. Three buttons on the back placket require some assistance from a parent or caregiver — if your child prizes independence, they may be better off with the Girl's Twill Clara Nightgown. The least expensive children's nightgown in Petite Plume's top-dollar heirloom collection, this ruffly, white nightgown has cleverly hidden elastic in its top seam that allows kids to dress themselves with ease. These pajamas are pricey, but all signs point to them earning hand-me-down status. Petite Plume's pajama sizing starts at 6/12 months, whereas most of our recommendations start at 2 years. This article was edited by Amy Miller Kravetz and Kalee Thompson.
Daily Mail
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
LIZ JONES: Meghan's unsettling flogging of clothes worn by Princess Charlotte and Prince George reveals the truth everyone has missed
Is it fan-girl obsession? Or just a flattering homage to one woman's upmarket, aspirational style choices for her children from across the pond? Over the weekend, we were introduced to the ' Easter edit' on the Duchess of Sussex 's newly launched ShopMe page on Instagram. Until now, Meghan has showcased the womenswear and cosmetics she keeps in her own home - earning, in the process, a commission every time someone uses her link to buy. Influencers are usually paid ten per cent (although it's possible the duchess has negotiated a better rate). But Meghan's Easter edit is different. This featured the sort of sugary sweet, retro, twee, have-to-be-ironed, old-fashioned but expensive clothes for children which will doubtless have most toddlers throwing themselves to the floor, screaming, red in the face with temper – with most mums losing the will to live. The childrenswear Meghan promoted is, of course, well-made, organic, colourful and necessarily expensive. You wouldn't want to smear raspberry conserve down the front of any of these babies. The pieces on offer were for special occasions. They were cheerful, aspirational. Yet eyebrows have been raised because the exact same outfits have been worn very publicly by William and Kate's children. Which leads many to ask: does Meghan not have an original bone in her body? On her ShopMe Instagram page, for example, were the blue gingham pyjamas by Petite Plume worn by a then two-year-old George to meet the Obamas at Kensington Palace in 2016. Petite Plume, by the way, is an American brand with the tag line: 'Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments' - just the sort of rubbish Meghan spouts. Their PJs certainly are pretty good but require a lot of ironing. And do kids these days really want to wear something that isn't wriggle friendly in bed? So, did Meghan make this choice because of that widely seen photo, I wonder, or because Petite Plume makes the best PJs on the planet? My guess is the former. Also featuring heavily on Meghan's page were the British brands Boden and Trotters. (I say 'were' because by Tuesday morning, all the clothes had vanished, either deleted or temporarily sold out.) Trotters is a family-owned label founded on the King's Road in 1990, just around the corner from Kensington Palace. Diana often shoehorned her boys into its wares. Meanwhile, Princess Charlotte has often worn floral smocks by Trotters. Boden, too, is a brand beloved by the current Princess of Wales - and seemingly by Meghan, who chose to promote a Boden baby dress with a blue, pink and yellow shell motif. Boden even produced a 'Very British Baby' collection in 2018 to mark the birth of Prince Louis, that's how closely intertwined the brand is with the Waleses. You could put Meghan's choices down to nothing more troubling than nostalgia. I am certain - lovely though the gardens of Montecito seem to be on her Love, Meghan Netflix series - that the Duchess still has warm memories of Windsor and the Cotswolds in springtime. But it certainly is an odd volte face. Meghan had previously told People magazine that her children would not be dressed in outdated clothing such as 'knee socks and smocking' or be carted around in vintage prams. She was pointedly referring to her nephews and niece, of course - the children of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Could Meghan not, instead, be a tad more modern and edgy, and showcase what her own children actually wear? Problem is, Lilli and Archie have only been glimpsed so far wearing uninspiring T-shirts, jeans, leggings. Which is practical and, let's face it, what most kids prefer. But that sort of high street fare will hardly garner the attention that Meg craves - or the big bucks from online sales. No, this isn't about what Meghan loves and has in the closet. It's yet another way to milk any remaining thread of connection she has with the Royal Family, to smear herself not with compote but with class. I expect Harry hates all the twee stuff, having once longed to grow out of the sort of smock-bodiced gear that has been the royal go-to for generations - to kick off his proper leather Trotters shoes and pull on trainers. Yet there are so many other brands making childrenswear that Meghan could curate, instead of merely copy. Zara, Mori, Monsoon, Lallie London, Baboushkini, Organic Zoo. Her online shop is a new low for Team Sussex, rendering her just one of millions of stay-at-home influencer mums who prefer to avoid doing any real work.
