5 things to love about Pour Les Femmes

Pour Les Femmes (‘for women’ in French) is the side hustle of House of Cards actress Robin Wright and designer Karen Fowler, who have been friends for 20 years. “I’ve been in the entertainment industry for so long,” explains Wright, “and, yes, it’s a creative art form, but working with textiles and being a designer with Karen is one of the most rewarding things that I’ve ever done.”

Making you look good after dark isn’t the brand’s only aim. It was launched after Wright had spent years campaigning in Washington against the war in Congo and its consequences for the women living there. Fowler suggested that they start the sleepwear line as an alternative way to raise awareness and create economic opportunities for women in conflict regions around the globe; Pour Les Femmes was the result.

Pour Les Femmes isn’t just a clever name: the label is determined to empower as many women as possible. In partnership with various charities, it teaches women in conflict zones to sew and, through micro-financing, helps them to start their own businesses and support themselves. It’s also helping to build schools and educate some of the 130 million girls around the world who aren’t allowed to go to school. “Every time you purchase one of our garments, you can go to sleep knowing that you helped a woman in need in a crisis zone,” explains Wright.

Why are pajamas the label’s focus? It’s pretty simple. “We love being in bed and we love sleeping,” explains Wright. She and Fowler are both sleepwear obsessives, and look to favorite pairs of vintage pajamas and antique nightgowns for design inspiration.

From the easy, boyish shirts to the pretty nightgowns, almost all of the pieces effortlessly double-up as daywear and beach cover-ups. “I wear them out of the house all the time,” says Wright. “I roll up the sleeves of my pajama top and tie it in a knot, then wear it with boyfriend jeans and a pair of heels. Or I’ll style the long dress with a big leather belt around it and some Moroccan sandals.” Now that’s what we call day-to-night dressing.