Unveiling the Hidden Charm: The Journey from Airplanes to Pajamas

Andreea Bondoc
Sparkling mornings
Published in
12 min readJul 6, 2023
It is always better to be slightly underdressed — Coco Chanel

Andreea: Embrace the comfort and allure of pajamas as we uncover their fascinating history and the hidden secrets they hold. Join me on this journey of self-expression and discover the joy of stylish loungewear. Experience the freedom and joy of comfortable fashion while indulging in the beauty of travel, perfumes and cosmetics. Discover our Sparkling (and Beauty) community and unlock a world of comfort, style, and adventure! Step into a world where comfort meets wanderlust, and become part of a vibrant community that celebrates the art of pajama fashion and the thrill of exploration. Embrace the freedom to be yourself!

“What are you doing? Have you shifted your focus from airplanes to pajamas?”

I don’t know if I shifted, but now I think it’s time to talk about my pajama desires. Because they are old, dating back to the time when I joined the airlines, but I haven’t decided to reveal them until now. And it’s not just about pajamas. There are also another category that made me to jump in like perfumes and beauty products (especially innovation related to hair); it’s a combination of mix and spark... lol

Soon I will open more stores because these industries fascinate me. I don’t know if I will be a full-fledged blogger with everything related, but it fascinates me to discover and bring them to light, especially to reveal what is cool and natural about these industries. Oh, and I also enjoy competing with old brands - it’s my guilty pleasure.

There are many discussions about how much these industries has changed, especially in the last period since the pandemic. The Asia Pacific (APAC) region has long been a driving force in the growth of the world’s beauty and personal care sector, boosting market share and paving the way for new global trends and product innovations to take hold.

Taking a significant step towards environmental consciousness, consumers have not only become more aware of their environmental impact but are choosing brands that are visibly working to reduce their carbon footprint and promote their sustainable practices. Here, ethical sourcing is one of the biggest challenges for brands to demonstrate. Local sourcing is proving to be a priority for many brands

These are some old ideas and points that now need to be brought to light, and this is what I'm going to do. A new jump, or a naturally one, or both.

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But going back at the present moment — I started loving pajamas about 15 years ago. Until that moment i did not pay attention to it and I was sleeping in what I could find from t-shirt and shorts to my ex-boyfriend shirt or… with what I had at hand. For me it was important to fly and have as little luggage as possible, so i could not imagine how’s to carry pajamas with you. But I discovered their comfort, in Romania, when my mother took me to a store and that’s how I touched the fabric quality.

Was the moment when I had my first pair of summer pajamas. And I felt so good in them that I started buying, and buying, and I got entire collections, every spring and winter. Then I started to draw my own designs, which I haven’t revealed yet, but I will definitely reveal them next year. It will be super exciting moment for me as is totally and completely new endeavor.

So, until I tested what the quality of sleeping clothes means (by that moment) I could not imagine that some clothes are so important for someone, and especially for our health. Everything matters, especially the fabrics and materials they are made of.

Living in Asia, I discovered and learned what real silk means, and especially how many benefits it brings to the skin and especially to the good mood of a day or night, especially since now we spend an extremely long time in pajamas.

Since everything in the industry has evolved, we always searched to have the best fabrics. Modal, Tencel, Egyptian cotton, but especially silk. Silk has so many benefits for the human body, not only that it looks good and makes you feel super good in it, but it has medical benefits, although few people know this, especially in the West.

Glimpse of the new collection

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Pajamas are the most intimate clothes we wear — of course, except underwear. Incredible life stories are written in pajamas. In pajamas we feel the emotions, the birth, the joy, the sadness and we have the craziest ideas and discussions. Contradict me if it is not so.

We spend the most time in our pajamas, because we sleep and wake up in them… and before sleep we spend the most intimate time of the day with ourselves. Pajamas are the clothes that should make life different, especially through comfort and originality.

We all noticed that many things in our lives depends on the comfort we are able to offer ourselves and which we should look for in everything we do. Today, many things depend on our state of well-being, and the health is complex topic, not just in one part.

Taking into account the above, how much importance do you give to your pajamas? And above all, how much do you invest in being aware of this?

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When I started this business, I started it with the idea that these clothes have healing properties, in a larger spectrum. I knew that there are only a few who pay attention to this. I think it’s the time when we need to return to the natural properties of materials and especially to understand their importance.

After the pandemic period, when most of the time was spent at home, pajamas became an indispensable accessory for many of us.

Our pajamas and especially the home clothes we create, are designed in such a way to ensure total comfort both during the day and at night. I love the comfort and quality of a product, and knowing that it provides me with these two things, I am willing to pay the price. Whatever that thing is. Because it is directly or indirectly an investment in me and my wellbeing.

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But going back to the topic… how I jumped from aviation to pajamas?! I am a person who likes quality. I don’t know if luxury, but quality, comfort, design, versatility and flexibility are the most important things for me when it comes to buying something. I have learned that the primary in everything we buy must be the well-being.

post-cards that celebrate pajama parties on the beach
Pajamas in Juan les Pines a century ago

So, what and how was the spark of the first moment!? 15 years ago, I had a trip on the Cote d’Azur, and one morning I ended up reading a an old magazine where I discovered how Coco Chanel brought the pajamas, almost a century ago, to the Cote d’Azur in Juan les Pines. Here is an excerpt from the magazine that blowed my mind.

“Fashion, art in its own right, participates in this movement, with the complicity and talented photographers who spread in magazines, photographs inspired the most beautiful women in the clothing created by leading designers of the era: LANVIN, Patou, Maggy Rouff, Schiaparelli, POIRET HEIM … And of course, Coco Chanel, who was, among other things, launch and reveal the “PAJAMA BEACH”, laying herself in this outfit in the great magazine “Vogue”.

The pajamas, clothing consisting of 2 parts, baggy trousers and blouse (or bolero), was focused from the 20s, according to the hours of the day, the elegant women seeking novelty.

But this dress quickly became a sartorial madness, which will take vacationers to the Juan les Pins, delighted to highlight and to distract the eye during their walks by the sea, or in the evening social gatherings around a swimming pool, a glass of champagne in hand. (picture this)

All events (galas, beauty contest, elegance) are all opportunities to present the finest in Pajamas (the ostentatious is sometimes an extra thanks!) They come in various materials, depending on circumstances: canvas, silk, and the new jersey, married with delicious forms slender young women.

New color harmonies, new prints are required. Incrustations of lace and embroidery are providing the personal touch to each pajamas. The great creative imagination compete for the Fair are even more beautiful and shine, day and night in this luxurious resort of Juan les Pins, which hosts all the Gotha of the great society of the time.

The Pajama knows such a craze, it becomes the symbol of the Cote d’Azur sun, carefree life, lightly.

A Juan les Pins, a local artist, Edmond Lahaye (former singer Montmartre, creator multiple) “appropriates” the new “darling of the beaches, with his characteristic humor, and draws vacationers in pajamas with cape and dog race. He publishes postcards and other designers, illustrators (S. Sir William Blackstone, Mr. Bloch) other publishers will follow suit (ADIA, ROSTAN — MUNIER, GILETTA & RELLA), a godsend.

The pajamas will “spread” on all major beaches resorts (Deauville, Trouville) of France, Belgium, crossing the Channel to show off to England and be devoted to Hollywood!

The postcards become good supports this mode, photographers providing publishers and their many shots where young women, mostly models, both contribute to the promotion of pajamas, at the Riviera. The pajamas appears.
Most great artists too, immortalize the Pajama such: A. ROUBTZOFF, Van Dongen, and Picasso (Woman sitting in beach pajamas — 1961), a follower of the beach of Juan les Pins where he was photographed with his friend P. ELUARD.

The fashion of the 30s was marked by the pajamas, which revealed modestly, the slender silhouette, the perfect lines of “top models” at the time. Fashion, like manners were advanced.

Over the years, more and more freedom, less fabric … will be shattered beach pajamas, replaced soon by the swimwear that will shrink visibly, and leave room the bikini is all the rage, then dethroned by the monokini … to be reduced to its simplest expression …

But that’s another story!”

The Beach of Juan les Pins and the Pajamas
pajama fashion show in Juan les Pins

This was the “sparkling moment” that triggered the entire project, hence the name Sparkling And Beauty. the moment when pajamas and airlines created a joint-venture.

Sparkling And Beauty is not a brand that only creates pajamas and home clothes. It’s a style of life. It’s about freedom and travel. It is about a journey in the world, about everything that the word beauty includes. And above all it is about the Community. — Andreea

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So after this episode, in the vast realm of the internet, we build the magical Sparkling — an enchanting online platform that it is not just any ordinary website, or an e-commerce store; it wants to be a thriving community we want to create, dedicated to the lovers of pajamas, loungewear, home-wear, and the sharing joy of travel and beauty.

We build Sparkling and Beauty to be the place where people with a shared passion for comfortable clothes, wanderlust, and a zest for life gathered to connect, share experiences, and revel in the freedom of embracing their unique styles. They are people who love quality, comfort, travel and most importantly they know how to cherish life.

We are not trying to be everything for everyone.

We made Sparkling And Beauty synonyms with entrepreneurs, travelers, artists and thinkers. A lifestyle brand focused on creativity, exploration, culture and personal expression. Dressing our pajamas is the bespoke message that should tell the world that the user has refined tastes.

The heart and soul of the Sparkling and Beauty community resided in its way of doing things while in pajamas…

Because you can do it better in pajamas!

building our community while in pajamas

You are invited to join us, if you believe in our ideas, that pajamas were not just for sleeping but represent a way of life — a symbol of comfort, relaxation, and self-expression.

Join the community that cherishes the feeling of slipping into their favorite pair of pajamas after a long day, indulging in cozy fabrics and delightful patterns that ignited their spirits. Each member had their own treasured collection, ranging from whimsical prints to elegant designs, all reflecting their personalities and desires.

We aim that Sparkling and Beauty offer more than just pajamas, it embraces the spirit of adventure and exploration. The community should understand that the freedom of pair of pajamas is going hand in hand with the freedom of being free in the world. They celebrated the joy of traveling, discovering new places, and experiencing different cultures while clad in their beloved loungewear. Sparkling and Beauty is not just a community; it is a gateway to a vibrant lifestyle where comfort and wanderlust intertwine.

Sparkling and Beauty members are kindred spirits, connected by their shared love for all things cozy and their desire to wander. The website provides a safe and inclusive space where members could engage in lively discussions, exchange travel tips, and showcase their unique pajama collections. They share stories of their most memorable trips, inspiring others to embark on their own adventures. The community thrives on the energy and support of like-minded individuals who understand the magic of feeling both comfortable and free.

We invite members to reveal the opportunity to discover new and unique designs, transforming their wardrobes into portals of comfort and style. With each purchase, they supported independent designers and fostered a sense of community beyond the virtual realm.

Embrace the beauty of life in their pajamas, to celebrate the freedom of clothes, and to venture into the world without compromising your comfort. It embodied the essence of travel and the power of self-expression through fashion, creating a vibrant community where individuals could unite in their shared passions.

If you are someone who delights in the charm of pajamas, dreams of exploring new destinations, and seeks a community that celebrates the fusion of comfort and adventure, Sparkling and Beauty is waiting for you.

spreading sparkling joy

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And least, but not last, at the heart of Sparkling and Beauty is a group of like-minded individuals who believe that clothing should not only be comfortable but also reflect one’s inner beauty. They saw pajamas as more than just sleepwear; they viewed them as a canvas for self-expression and a symbol of liberation as Coco Chanel did it a century ago.

It is a place where people could come together, share their stories, and discover new styles and trends in the world of loungewear. Also feature a bustling community forum where members can discuss their favorite pajama designs, exchange styling tips, and share their travel experiences. It became a hub of creativity, where members showcased their unique fashion-forward pajama ensembles and sought feedback from their peers.

relaxing at the pool while in the nightdress

We encourage individuals to break free from societal norms and embrace their personal style without judgment. It celebrate the beauty of individuality, promoting the idea that every person had the right to express themselves authentically, whether they were at home or traveling the world, or conducting a meeting or joining a beach party.

One of the website’s most popular features is the “Pajama Paradise” section, where members can share breathtaking photos of themselves wearing their favorite pajamas in stunning locations across the globe. From tropical beaches to snow-capped mountains, the Sparkling and Beauty community celebrates the freedom of exploring the world while looking fabulous in their comfy sleepwear.

The website also hosts virtual pajama parties, where members can gather online, relax, and have fun. These gatherings feature live chats, fashion shows, and even dance-offs, are creating a strong sense of camaraderie and joy within the community.

Its influence spreads far and wide. Pajama enthusiasts from every corner of the globe join the community, bringing with them diverse perspectives, cultural influences, and unique fashion tastes. Together, they forms a global movement that championed the importance of comfort, self-expression, and the freedom to be who they truly were. We hope to become a symbol of empowerment, reminding people that they could live their lives with sparkle and beauty, wherever their pajamas take them. — Andreea

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Andreea Bondoc
Sparkling mornings

Entrepreneur, traveler and a storyteller to leave a legacy in words.