Chalmers Pyjamas good enough to go out in

Chalmers Pyjamas, launched almost two years ago, has just been picked up by David Jones.

‘It’s awesome when people see our pyjamas and say “I’d wear that out”,’ says Nick Chalmers.

Frankly, at this time of year there is nothing better than to be holed up at home in your favourite pyjamas. Or maybe that’s just Buzz. Regardless, a new line of PJs is hoping to bring both joy and comfort to your sleeping — and waking — hours.

Chalmers Pyjamas launched almost two years ago and has just been picked up by David Jones. Founder Nick Chalmers (“My surname rhymes with pyjamas, so that’s a bonus”) and general manager Josh Smith are stoked not only with this latest signing but with the bigger trend towards pyjamas globally — including the trend of wearing them beyond your front door.

“It’s awesome when people see our pyjamas and say, ‘I’d wear that out,’ ” Chalmers tells Buzz. “We don’t stop and go, ‘You have to be able to wear them out of house,’ when we’re designing them, but it’s in the back of our mind.”

The pyjamas (pictured) are made in two fabrications: a jersey made from 70 per cent bamboo and 30 per cent cotton, and a premium cotton poplin.

“The focus is on breathability and long-lasting garments,” says Smith. “We’ve really gone to the ends of the earth to search for the right fabrications — it’s paramount that people can have a really good night’s sleep.”

Prices start at $45 and go up to $150 for a full-length poplin set. There are bright colours, classic stripes, oversized spots and Japanese and ikat-inspired prints, all designed in-house — Chalmers’s favourite part of the job.

“The pyjama world is very neglected in fashion,” says Smith. “They’re not something you spend money on. But you sleep in it — why would you not want something nice on your body when you sleep?”

Myer has come up with a practical way to help women and families who have fled domestic violence situations. The Give Registry, which operates in a similar way to a gift registry, allows customers to purchase essential items for those who are starting over after such a situation. Customers can choose items suggested by those who have experienced abuse, and each item will be matched by Myer. Items will go to those supported by the Salvation Army’s crisis accommodation and refuges.

At the launch of the initiative, Myer chief executive Richard Umbers said: “Myer is standing up to family violence and we know that our customers and team members feel very passionately about this worthy cause. The Give Registry means that we can work together with our customers to help make a difference in these women’s lives. We’re really proud to launch the Give Registry, which provides practical support through the provision of much-needed essential items.”

Fans of style on the big screen have a wonderful opportunity in Melbourne tomorrow evening. Costume designer Sandy Powell is visiting from Britain as part of the Martin Scorsese exhibition at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. Powell, who has won three Oscars (for Shakespeare in Love, The Aviator and The Young Victoria) and been nominated 12 times, is hosting a masterclass in costume design, for which there are a handful of places left. Of course, you can also go and see her handiwork as part of the exhibition, including Cate Blanchett’s award-winning dress for her role as Katharine Hepburn in The Aviator, as well as her other work for Scorsese, including Gangs of New York and Hugo. For tickets, see acmi.net.au.