Monica Nassif tried to retire. But after selling her mega-popular, uber-gorgeous homecleaning brand Caldrea to SC Johnson, she realized she only had a few things to lounge away her retirement in- none stylish or sophisticated.

Sigh. Back to work. Serial entrepreneurs and polymaths like Nassif- she's worked as a nusrse; did marketing and branding for Target and her own company, Kilter; has an English degree; and founded both Caldrea and Mrs. Meyers- just can't help themselves.

"People asked me, 'Are you crazy, or what?'" Nassif says of launching her new luxe lingerie line, Sophia Graydon, admitting that although she grew up in a family of seamstresses, she doesn't sew. "But this isn't as big a leap as you may think. If you make beautiful products and they perform, people will buy them over and over."

Nassif partnered with couture patternmakers who have worked for such designers as The Row and Chadwick Bell. "We obsess over every detail, like 'add gold piping here' or 'make sure you can cuff that cotton pique.'" She's also helped found a program with Jen Guarino (J. W. Hulme) to train and employ people to learn the art and craft of sewing, keeping all products locally and domestically produced. "The trend is shifting out of Asia and back to the U.S.," she says. "In addition to making a great product, you want to create a company where people love to work."

Her first collection is a spectacular debut, due to her extensive brand experience and discerning eye: floorlength cashmere robes, Swiss cottons, Italian silks, and French lace. Think of it as first-class lounging.

Available at sophiagraydon.com

CHICK OUT MOIE LOCAL ITYLI COVIIACl AT MNMO COM/STVIF.