Behind The Design: The Slipper by Bedfolk x Penelope Chilvers

Not sure if it’s just us, but a glass slipper always sounded kind of… uncomfortable. Enter: The Slipper. Crafted in Spain in collaboration with footwear experts, Penelope Chilvers, your search for the perfect slipper ends here.

Every detail has been meticulously considered: from the ergonomic rubber sole to the bespoke cotton trim, this is dreamy footwear that’s made for maximum comfort and designed to last. Available in two delicious colours to complement your loungewear styles, this is the final touch to your wind down uniform.

To introduce this exciting collaboration, we sat down with Penelope Chilvers and Bedfolk Founder Jo, to tell us more about the design of this new comfort essential.

Tell us about how the partnership between Bedfolk and Penelope Chilvers began.

Penelope: We were introduced to Jo and Nick a while ago, and alongside them being the loveliest couple, it was clear that we had a mutual appreciation for craftsmanship and that ‘buy less, choose well’ approach. They set us the challenge of designing a Bedfolk slipper and given my love of a challenge and our experience of making good quality footwear, it felt like a perfect partnership.

Why did you choose Penelope Chilvers for the collaboration?

Jo: When it comes to specialist products (those where we don’t have the in-house background), we always want to collaborate with the very best in that category. For footwear, that meant Penelope Chilvers. Not only do Penelope and her team produce the most beautiful, high-quality footwear, but they also share our commitment to working with artisan makers. We were thrilled to be able to work together for this collaboration.

What made you want to design slippers next in the loungewear collection?

Jo: Slippers are a huge part of the winding down journey, just slipping them on when you get home feels like a welcoming hug, and the start of that mental shift from ‘on’ to ‘off’. We launched linen loungewear and cashmere socks this time last year, so slippers felt like the perfect next step! I love the fact that our community can create their whole ‘wind down uniform’ with us now and be wrapped top to toe in comfort.

What was the inspiration behind the design process?

Penelope: I took inspiration from the feel I got for Bedfolk - understated, simple, natural, beloved. So, we went for a very simple, minimalist design, composed of a wool blend, something like slipping on a cloud.

What makes the design of these slippers so special?

Jo: Most importantly, the luxurious comfort. Penelope described them as ‘like slipping on a cloud’, and I couldn’t put it better myself. Comfort was always going to be number one!

They’re also made to last and are beautifully constructed with all the thoughtful details you’d expect from both Bedfolk and Penelope Chilvers. From the soft and timeless shades of the wool, to the carefully chosen trim, and the indoor-outdoor sole, they’re made to be enjoyed for years and years.

Penelope: I pride myself, and our brand, on creating pieces of incredible quality and these slippers are really in keeping with that craftsmanship. The neutral palette means they are classic, timeless, and go with just about everything!

What do you hope this new launch will bring to our community of comfort addicts?

Penelope: Long-lasting comfort and unlocking a new level of appreciation for luxurious quality. I love to create things to last and treasure for years, so this feels like such a wonderful collaboration for that.

Jo: More comfort! Those little everyday moments, that add up to something meaningful. Slipping your feet into these slippers as a welcome home, wrapping yourself in the fluffiest towel after a bath, feeling the softness of your robe as you pad down for your first morning cuppa, climbing into a cloud-like bed after a long day… it’s these tiny daily moments which, when added up, can make such a difference in our busy lives. We love to be part of anything that helps our community to feel comforted.

How will you be winding down in your new Penelope Chilvers x Bedfolk Slippers?

Jo: Juggling a business and a toddler means I really appreciate the micro-moments of wind down within my day. Slipping my feet into my slippers as soon as I get home is the first moment of comfort that signals the start of winding down for the evening. Slippers on, phone locked away, a big squishy quilt, and a pile of books. That’s my dream wind down routine this autumn!

Penelope: The Bedfolk Dream Cotton Robes are so luxurious, I can’t get over how amazingly soft they are, so that might be the essential companion. I have a vision of one hung on the back of the bedroom door with slippers by the bed - the perfect sight to welcome me home and switch off with! Add a good book and my favourite cup of tea into the mix, and you have my idea of absolute heaven.