Where does our name come from?
Where Did the Name Goodnight Irene Come From?
We get asked a lot about the story behind the name Goodnight Irene — and why a brand known for its playful, luxury button cover accessories ended up with a name that sounds like it belongs to a 1950s singalong. So, here’s founder Kelly Harris to explain the full story behind our name, our heritage, and why it means so much to us.
A Nod to Cockney Roots
I grew up in a household where Cockney rhyming slang and colourful sayings were part of everyday life. Goodnight Irene was one of those phrases my dad would say regularly — it came from the famous song, but in our house, it meant that’s the end of that. If someone fell down after one too many at the pub, they were “Goodnight Irene.” If the telly packed up halfway through EastEnders, it was “Goodnight Irene.”
It’s playful, familiar and full of personality — just like our button covers. When you step out wearing our button jewels, for everyone else it’s “Goodnight Irene.”
A Personal Connection to Sleep
There’s also a deeper meaning to the name. My daughter was diagnosed with narcolepsy at the age of 7 — a misunderstood condition often misrepresented in cartoons and films. Her diagnosis opened our eyes to the importance of awareness, and I wanted to weave something about sleep into the fabric of the brand. If and when we’re ever in the position to support a charity, Narcolepsy UK will be top of the list.
(You might also recognise her face — she’s one of our regular models on the website and social media!)
Perfectly Quirky, Just Like Us
Finally, I wanted a name that stood out — something that felt as unique, unexpected and delightfully different as our button covers themselves. Goodnight Irene felt like the perfect match: a blend of nostalgic charm, playful irreverence and a little wink to our roots.
In Short…
Goodnight Irene is more than a name — it’s a mix of personal history, family tradition, and a whole lot of personality. It captures everything we love: playful style, a bit of British humour, and a celebration of standing out from the crowd.
So next time you’re buttoning up your blouse with a set of our button covers, just remember — for boring outfits, it’s “Goodnight Irene.”