Paige DeSorbo has officially stepped into a new chapter of her life, leaving behind her role on Bravo’s “Summer House,” a show that catapulted her into the public eye when she joined in 2019. At 32, DeSorbo is better known for her light-hearted humor and relatable persona, which she developed alongside fellow comedian Hannah Berner through their hit podcast, “Giggly Squad.” The podcast has seen immense success, culminating in a 60-city tour in 2024, and the duo even co-authored a book that was published in April.
Now, as she steps away from reality television, DeSorbo is embarking on an exhilarating new journey as the founder of a fashion brand named Daphne. The brand, which is inspired by her cat, launched via a direct-to-consumer e-commerce website, showcasing 12 stylish pieces designed for comfort at home. The collection includes a diverse range of items, from three-piece pointelle sets and poplin pants to what DeSorbo describes as “the best sleep shirt ever,” aptly named “Hannah,” in tribute to her best friend and business partner. With prices for the collection ranging from $58 for a cami to $230 for a complete set, the brand seeks to merge comfort and style.
DeSorbo expressed her excitement about the launch in a recent interview, revealing that she feels like she’s “giving birth tomorrow.” She had intentionally postponed the launch to ensure that her brand would be taken seriously. Over the years, she has been vocal about her love for comfort, often preferring to stay in bed rather than going out, a sentiment that resonates with many millennial women.
In her own words, she decided to embrace this reputation, saying, “If you think I’m lazy, then I am the laziest bitch you’ve ever met.” Three years ago, after contemplating various categories like footwear and bedding, she firmly opted to focus on loungewear and sleepwear, diligently working on the project to ensure that it came to life in the way she envisioned.
Despite her passion for fashion, DeSorbo acknowledged that she had much to learn in the industry. This is where her partnership with Concept Brands, an incubator based in Los Angeles, proved invaluable. Under their guidance, DeSorbo is positioned to navigate the intricacies of launching a brand with a solid foundation.
Becca Erdman, co-founder at Concept Brands, praised DeSorbo’s approach to her personal brand. Erdman noted that DeSorbo is “relatable” and “chronically online,” making her a perfect fit for the current cultural moment. The strategic alignment with DeSorbo represents a commitment to building something meaningful rather than merely leveraging her reality TV fame. This careful approach to developing Daphne has excited both investors and potential customers.
As she shared her experiences with investors—most of whom were men—DeSorbo didn’t shy away from expressing the intimidation that often comes with being a woman in business. “It can be very intimidating as a woman,” she relayed. Her openness about the challenges she faced while trying to communicate her vision and secure funding underlines the broader challenges many women encounter in the entrepreneurial space.
However, DeSorbo’s confidence in her creative vision for Daphne is unwavering, stating, “What I was most concerned about was that this would be my company and always stay my company.” She successfully retains majority ownership, keeping her brand aligned with her values.
Throughout the design process, DeSorbo integrated personal preferences into the collection. For instance, she eschewed thick waistbands, favoring thinner options that offer more flexibility, especially on those days when comfort is key. “I’m not sleeping in [booty shorts] that are going to be inside of me in the morning,” she quipped, showcasing her commitment to creating comfortable yet stylish loungewear.
Given her vast audience, which includes 1.6 million Instagram followers and over 709,000 on TikTok, DeSorbo has a clearly defined vision for her customer base. She envisions the line appealing to a wide range of women, from college students who can mix and match casual loungewear to working women in their late 20s and early 30s who need stylish yet comfortable options.
Erdman summarized the essence of Daphne perfectly: “Loungewear sits at the intersection of comfort, style, and personal ritual.” She emphasized that the brand aims to create pieces that individuals want to wear all day without sacrificing style. In today’s world, where many people work from home, the idea of reclaiming pajamas as daywear has never been more relevant.
The excitement around Daphne is palpable, with its Instagram account rapidly gaining traction—over 111,000 followers have already signed up since its announcement, indicating a significant level of interest. In addition, the waitlists for various pieces serve as evidence of both DeSorbo’s influence and the demand for high-quality loungewear.
As for the future, DeSorbo is adamant about the brand’s longevity. “I’m really proud of it. I’m excited to continue working on it. I will do Daphne forever,” she affirmed, expressing her commitment to nurturing the brand and ensuring that it thrives.
In conclusion, Paige DeSorbo’s transition from reality TV star to fashion entrepreneur showcases her determination and passion for creating a meaningful brand. Daphne aims not only to provide comfortable and stylish loungewear but also to foster a connection with women who value relaxation and self-care. As she forges ahead, her story serves as an inspiration to many who aspire to blend passion with entrepreneurship in today’s evolving landscape.
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