From the Founder – Philippa
When I think about how Hank & Hera truly began—not just as a concept, but as something that felt real—it wasn’t one moment or one garment. It was a handful of pieces that helped shape the heart of the brand before I even had the words for it.
The Lauren Nightie was one of the first samples we made. I remember putting it on for the first time in the factory and feeling something shift. It just worked. The fit, the softness of the cotton, the way the ruffle at the bottom added this light, feminine detail without tipping into fussiness—it felt like something I had been looking for without realising. There was a sense of relief in it. Like, finally.
And when we released it, women started sending in messages and reviews saying things like, “I feel beautiful in this” or “I didn’t think nightwear could feel like this on me.” It was the first time I thought—we’re not just filling a gap; we’re creating something that matters.
The Melanie Shirt Nightdress came next, and with it, another layer of confidence in what we were building. This one was all about balance—structure and ease, practicality and femininity. I’d been clear from the beginning that I didn’t want a boxy shirt dress. I wanted it to follow the lines of the body without clinging. The curved split at the hem gave it that softness and shape, and when I tried it on in linen with the Japanese satin contrast, I felt completely at home in it. Practical, yes—but with a quiet sort of sensuality that felt new. And honest.
It didn’t shout. It didn’t try too hard. It just made me feel like myself, but more settled. More comfortable. And again, it wasn’t just me—this nightie has become one of our bestsellers because it gives women that same feeling of calm confidence. That’s always been the point.
The Anne Robe carries something even deeper for me. It’s named after my grandmother, Anne, who was such a powerful force in my life. She was stylish, yes, but also endlessly capable. She helped run the family business, was active in her community, and always carried herself with elegance and purpose. She had incredibly high standards, but in a way that felt grounding rather than intimidating. She simply knew what good looked like.
The robe named after her needed to reflect that. I wanted it to be something that felt essential and elevated at the same time. A robe is such a basic item, but if you’re plus-sized, you’ll know how hard it is to find one that fits properly—especially in places like hotels, spas, or even in your own home. Most robes either don’t close or feel like an afterthought.
The Anne Robe was designed to change that. It’s generously sized but still refined in shape. The details matter—the fabric matters. The feeling of it matters. It’s a robe you want to wear, not just throw on because there’s nothing else.
And to me, that felt kind of trailblazing—taking something that’s usually overlooked and doing it properly. With care. With integrity. With beauty.
These three pieces—the Lauren, the Melanie, and the Anne—were the foundation of Hank & Hera. Not just because they sold well, but because they embodied everything I wanted this brand to be: thoughtful, elegant, practical, and deeply rooted in the belief that every woman deserves to feel at home in her body.
That’s still the feeling I chase with every new piece we make.
