Catching Up With Desmond & Dempsey Co-Founder, Joel Jeffery
THIS JOURNAL BELONGS TO
BRANDON SCOTT ROYE
Celebrating life at home - Pyjamas Are for Leisure
Joel Jeffery, alongside his dashing wife, Molly Goddard, founded Desmond & Dempsey in the hopes of slowing down your Sunday mornings.
4 MINS READ TIME
There is something refreshingly traditional and decisive about my conversation with Joel Jeffery. As if he’s unknowingly proven that living with clear boundaries, referring to the separation of work and play through styling, still leaves ample space for a perfectly technicolor life of connection and ease.
We live in a time of blurred lines. Every life event occurs in one of two places — our home and screens. And speaking for myself, this means a tiny, albeit charming, New York studio apartment situated just above a ballet studio on the Upper East Side. Thankfully, my quarantine puppy, Prince, continues to help me through a remarkably isolated cuffing season.
Joel Jeffery, alongside his dashing wife, Molly Goddard, founded Desmond & Dempsey in the hopes of slowing down your Sunday mornings. When you slip on their hand-painted pajamas, it’s both a sign to you and the world that the day’s work is done.
In a time where we simply cannot wait for this year to end — my conversation with Joel left me wondering what the world would look like if we all chose to slow down, instead.
American Vogue’s September Issue said it best — it’s time to play again.
BSR: What are your thoughts on the recent overlap in work attire, athleisure, and pajamas?
JJ: At Desmond & Dempsey, we feel pretty strongly that pyjamas are for leisure, for really relaxing around the house. I am a ‘proper’ clothes for work kind of person and when I get home, it’s keys down and pyjamas on.
BSR: Do you wear pajamas separates out-and-about during the day?
JJ: No, although our shirts do make for great beach tops, thrown on with a pair of boardies. You’ll be the best dressed on the beach.
BSR: When it comes to lifestyle, humility, and romantic partnership — what do you hope to instill in your customers, followers, and even passersby?
JJ: Don’t be afraid to slow down and savour the Sundays we’re given. Things don’t need to be taken too seriously. The dishes can be dirty for a few more hours, you can sit on your sofa all day, and you’re allowed to choose a glass of wine over a workout.
BSR: Prior to creating the brand itself, what is the most Desmond & Dempsey-inspired moment you’ve shared with your wife and co-founder, Molly?
JJ: Sitting on the floor, eating pasta straight out of the pot. We’ve done this quite a bit since we haven’t been able to travel for the past few months. We met whilst we were both traveling, and it has been something we very much still have a passion for and prioritize in our relationship. These destinations collectively became our library of inspiration as we developed the concept for the brand.
BSR: What were you both doing in Canada when you first met?
JJ: Skiing and spending time in the mountains.
BSR: Your latest pyjamas drop, The Ethereal Collection, reads:
“Our Ethereal Collection is an ode to mythology; its vivid imagery, swirling tales and larger than life characters. Divinities don't sleep - or eat, or even rest, for any practical purposes - they’re gods after all! And If you’ve got the sort of grit to turn people into animals and trees and all that, you’re hardly the type to be thwarted by low-blood sugar levels or a few too many late nights. But they do it anyway - sleep, eat, rest, that is - for the pleasure of it. The sheer pleasure that is, well, leisure.”
What gives you sheer pleasure? And do you believe in or are you simply inspired by mythology?
JJ: I take sheer pleasure in lots of simple things — a chunk of cheese, a good surf, the crackle and smell of a fire, a messy table after a dinner party with friends, the hum of a city.
BSR: If you had to guess, what is Narcissus' kryptonite?
JJ: I think Narcissus would quickly be ‘cancelled’ in today’s world. Thankfully, people seem to be tolerating arrogance less and less. So perhaps Narcissus' kryptonite is other people.
BSR: What is your definition of the modern man?
JJ: A modern man is confident, but aware that there’s a lot he has to learn from the world. He’s curious about other people, places, and things, and makes an effort to educate himself on topics he doesn’t fully understand. He is also kind. Internally, one of or brand values is ‘don’t be a d**k’ and I think that covers quite a lot.
BSR: The mission of Desmond & Dempsey is to celebrate life at home. What is one thing we can all do today to feel more at home? (Other than buying your pajamas!)
JJ: Put on your favourite music whilst you cook something new and share a meal with the people you love.
BO: What is something that has changed since the pandemic which you hope continues?
JJ: Spending time, proper time, with the people who matter and an appreciation for simple, everyday things that perhaps were taken for granted. Our favorite local coffee shop, the local park.
BO: Across Desmond & Dempsey’s eight issues of The Sunday Paper, what has been the most moving story for you, thus far?
JJ: In Issue 8, Alodona's story is pretty incredible. I won't spoil it. It's worth a read.
BO: What’s your next Sunday adventure with Molly?
JJ: Back to Australia. To see family, friends, strangers, great coffee and the ocean.