Along with trimming the tree and sipping eggnog by the fire, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a cozy new pair of pajamas. Introduced just this year, Petite Plume is a fresh but classic collection of sophisticated and comfortable sleepwear for children. The elegant range is chemical-free and boasts traditional colors and styles. The finest attention to detail can be seen throughout, from engraved buttons and tuck pointing, to top-quality cotton brushed for softness. What’s more, the sleepwear is delivered in a handsome blue-and-white gift box wrapped in grosgrain ribbon, accompanied by a hand-written gift note. Perfect for holiday gift giving.

Petite Plume is the brainchild of CEO Emily Hikade [above with her son], a diplomat living overseas with her husband and three children for nearly 15 years. Currently based in Kampala, Africa, they have lived in Iraq, Tunisia, Egypt, Haiti, Myanmar, Tanzania and Uganda. In 2014 Emily turned in her frequent flier miles to launch Petite Plume, and the business has taken off quickly.  “I believe we have the very best sleepwear on the market, and it seems our customers agree.”

Emily adds, “Prior to joining the foreign service, I studied and lived in France and Austria and speak French and German fluently.  My husband continues to work as a diplomat and I run the business from overseas for now, thanks to a strong team of support in the U.S.  We are also hoping to be back in the U.S. soon. KDHamptons Travel and Lifestyle editor, Kim Hopkins, chats with Emily Hidake from Kampala (Africa).

KDHamptons: What country has been your favorite?
Emily Hidake: My favorite assignment was Burma (aka Myanmar).  We were there before it opened up, and it was simply magical to see this world untouched by western influence (as there aren’t many left).  Once we were hiking in the mountains of northern Burma with our young, blonde son and the locals asked if we had dyed his hair that color, as they had never seen it before.  Word spread of the child with the golden hair and we were greeted like rock stars as we passed from village to village.  One village chief actually asked us if she could keep him, a serious and generous offer… which we politely declined.

KDHamptons: What led you to start Petite Plume?
Emily Hidake: My husband and I were in the same line of work and it was getting challenging for both of us to find fulfilling positions as we progressed in our careers.  I was doing a great deal of traveling, and a few years ago I was on a flight to the Comoros that went out of control for the longest 30 seconds of my life.  I had been thinking about starting Petite Plume, but this was a great motivator to reflect on life, what is most important, and what I wanted to do with the rest of it.  I’ve always loved fashion and had been looking for classic pajamas for my three little boys, but couldn’t find them anywhere in the U.S.

As a parent, I also wanted to create a collection that was chemical-free.  There are so many unknown toxins on the market, and no one is required to disclose them.  Our sleepwear is soft, luxurious and chemical-free, and we have gone the extra mile to make sure no detail has been overlooked.  We’ve also included personal touches like hand-written gift cards and customized boxes.  I’m very proud of what we’ve created.

KDHamptons: Do you have a background in fashion?
Emily Hidake: No, I do not.  I studied international relations and business at the University of Notre Dame.  I have been lucky to find some amazingly talented people to help me navigate the ins and outs of the apparel business (thank goodness, as it can be more complicated than diplomacy!), and I am still learning every day.  I love the challenge and the people I’ve met along the way have been inspiring and amazing.

To view the Petite Plume collection, go to www.petite-plume.com. Emily offers KDHamptons readers 25% off new purchase by entering the code KDHamptons at checkout. * Free shipping on all orders.