For Restless Sleepers is approaching its 10th anniversary. It’s an important milestone for Francesca Ruffini’s brainchild; as an independent brand flying under the radar of trends, it has grown a rather consistent following, and she reports that its online business is in good shape. Born out of Ruffini’s own predilection for living 24/7 in countless versions of masculine pajamas, over the years it has expanded to include dresses and separates that can be combined at will. But Ruffini has never strayed from the fundamentals.
You won’t see an FRS billowing printed caftan on a red carpet anytime soon, as Ruffini wants to keep things a bit more down-to-earth. But even if her creations convey a certain glamour, she thinks IRL, valuing versatility and comfort above all else. What she designs is intended for the everyday—a rather extravagant and extraordinary everyday, if you consider this season’s prints.
Ruffini doesn’t do pretty; her gestures are elegant but quite decisive. For resort she went for full-on botanical motifs, so blown up they looked like action-painting abstractions. Huge leaves of Monstera deliciosa; petals of dahlias augmented into floating fringes; toile de Jouy pastoral allegories transformed into tropical motifs—the humongous prints colonized caftans, pajama sets, long tunics worn over matching pants, and round-shaped short cape dresses. Designed in-house, the impact of this botanical extravaganza was further amplified by its dense tones of sunset, jungle, and sky. Ruffini is a talented colorist and didn’t restrain herself. Soft-spoken and reserved, she gave herself permission to raise her voice a bit louder here.
