A Journey Woven into Fabric: Electric Bowery and Bien Mal Unveil Evocative Blanket Collection
Memory is a profound architect of our present, capable of transporting us across decades with a mere scent, sound, or sight. It’s this powerful, nostalgic connection that forms the heart of the exquisite new blanket collection, a collaboration between design powerhouses Electric Bowery and Bien Mal. For Electric Bowery co-founders Cayley Lambur and Lucia Bartholomew, this collection is more than just textiles; it’s a tangible narrative, a physical documentation of a transformative road trip that intricately links four iconic American cities: Venice, Santa Barbara, Big Sur, and New York City.
Where Memory Meets Material: A Unique Collaboration
Imagine wrapping yourself in the distinct terroir of a place – the vibrant textures, the nuanced colors, the very personality of a city. This collection invites you to do just that. Each blanket serves as a tactile memento, allowing you to envelop yourself in the spirit of another time and place. The collaboration between Electric Bowery and Bien Mal feels inherently natural, rooted in shared values. Both are dynamic, women-led enterprises deeply committed to sustainable processes and thoughtful design.
Sustainability and Soul: A Shared Vision
In an industry often criticized for its environmental footprint, Electric Bowery and Bien Mal stand out. Each blanket is meticulously double-knit, utilizing either recycled or 100% Egyptian cotton. This conscious choice significantly works to reduce water consumption, a critical step in mitigating the textile industry’s notoriously consumptive practices. The ethos extends beyond mere materials; it’s about purpose. Beatriz Blank, the visionary behind Bien Mal, founded her company upon moving to the U.S. from Venezuela, seeking to infuse her new country with the joy and vibrant spirit of her culture. In this context, these blankets transcend their function, embodying the essential warmth and comfort of ‘home’ – elements crucial for human health and happiness.
The Collection: A Tapestry of Terroir
Dive into the individual stories woven into each design:
Bowery Bowery: Echoes of Urban Elegance
An ode to the bustling heart of downtown New York City, the ‘Bowery Bowery’ blanket is knit in recycled cotton. Its design draws inspiration from the iconic glass block sidewalks of Soho, which famously reflect square streams of light onto the surrounding buildings. These distinctive block motifs are set against a cool grey background, perfectly embodying the sophisticated, ever-evolving urban cityscape.
Electric Ave: The Rhythmic Pulse of the Pacific
Inspired by the ceaseless, hypnotic movements of the ocean, ‘Electric Ave’ is a direct homage to the swirling surf that defines Venice Beach. Its design captures the dynamic energy of the waves, while a striking striped border decorates its edge, adding a graphic and welcoming touch that evokes coastal serenity.
HWY 1: Big Sur’s Iridescent Embrace
Crafted with Big Sur in mind, the ‘HWY 1’ blanket centers on the breathtaking iridescence of an abalone shell. True to nature’s repetitive beauty, these undulating curves can also be seen as reminiscent of the winding vertices of Highway 1 itself, the rugged texture of wood bark, or the layered, majestic landscapes that characterize Big Sur.
Castillo: Santa Barbara’s Timeless Charm
For Cayley Lambur, Santa Barbara is home, and it’s the city’s charming, traditional Spanish tilework – adorning facades, courtyards, and arches – that inspired ‘Castillo’. This design is a heartfelt reflection on time spent in situ, capturing the city’s enduring architectural beauty and cultural richness.
Wrap Yourself in a Story
This collection is an invitation to connect with places, memories, and the artistry of sustainable design. To explore the full blanket collection from Electric Bowery and Bien Mal, and to bring a piece of this woven journey into your home, visit bienmal.com. Photography by Chris Mottalini and Mariana beautifully captures the essence of each piece.
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