Our Story
Papinelle began in Sydney’s Paddington markets in 2003...
The Papinelle story is anchored in our creative heritage and our desire to make and purvey the most beautiful sleepwear in the world, for generations to come. For the young and for the young at heart. For mothers and daughters, old souls and dreamers. For everyone wanting to feel as beautiful as they look in our PJs.
Papinelle was founded 20 years ago as a free-spirited, design-led sleepwear brand renowned for its unique hand-painted floral prints, quality fabrics, and flattering feminine styles. Of course, we’ve gently evolved over this time, broadening our offering beyond the coveted pajama sets lovingly crafted by our founder Renae James and sold at Sydney’s Paddington markets back in 2003.
But the fundamentals have remained the same, steered by the vision and passion of Renae, co-founder and brand visionary Nicole Kelly, and the Papinelle team. Our dedication to designing sleepwear and loungewear of effortless, enduring style and exceptional quality, in the softest, drapiest, most comfortable, and carefully sourced natural fabrics, from pure silks to organic cottons. In heavenly colour palettes, and with dreamy floral prints designed in our own creative studio as well as in collaboration with a considered selection of leading artists, illustrators, and heritage brands from around the world.
Our Fabrics
Our love for the slow processes of artistic creation infuses every single piece in our collections, from our pretty printed PJ sets, to our cool cotton nighties, luxe fluffy robes, to cosy loungewear just made for lazy days. Garments that elevate every moment and the humblest of daily routines, from morning through to bedtime.
Experts in sleepwear, we’re naturally also advocates of sleep as a foundation for better health, happiness, and wellbeing, and view it as an integral part of our mission to promote a more restorative, nurturing rest through our garments.
And Today
We’re committed to crafting beautiful, natural sleepwear that’s as kind to the planet as it is to soul and skin, leaving a positive imprint on the world around us. Reducing our carbon footprint, supporting local communities, and championing fair labour practices are just some of the ways we’re embracing our sustainability journey as we endeavour to establish new standards of social and environmental excellence, accountability, and transparency in our business.
Honouring our heritage is close to our heart as a proudly Australian brand with a global outlook. We acknowledge and pay respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Today, we celebrate our progression since the establishment of Papinelle’s first boutique on Oxford Street, Paddington, in 2004, where our flagship store is still located. It’s joined by signature stores across Australia and New Zealand, while Papinelle has become part of bedtime routines all over the world through our retail partners in the United States, and our online stores.
