The time now to buckle down on our own terms is ever vital as we do shelter in and define our own version of “sweater weather”. As of late a merging of the tactile and nude has defined this new vision of comfort and lounge, nothing hits like the combo of heat tech synthetics and the tried and tested fluidity of a good knit. But must we not forget that our full looks of SSENSE sale items are getting to peak fatigue as a stroll or hike around the neighborhood is the new cruising ground for who is cute and the dictation of what’s hot.
Fortunately, LA based interior design company bläanks has broken through from the hospitality range to get the goods direct to consumers. With their highly textural knits and bold to subdued colors, the brand gives a slight nod to its Scandinavian roots as well as the embrace of Los Angeles’ rock n roll traditions. We spoke to Judy Pokonosky and Suss Cousins to discuss sustainability, the emotions of knits, and defining the current culture of comfort.
What is the story on how you met each other, your style and vision are a great shift from the usual knitting traditions?
We met in the apparel industry about 25 years ago and re-connected roughly 4 years ago and started bläanks.
We were inspired and saw a great opportunity in the Hospitality and A+D Space for amazing textured knits that we applied to throws and pillows. We feel our unique background and experience brought something different to this market.
I notice that you shot at the Arroyo Seco, what was the significance to shooting there and in general this type of urban adjacent nature?
Being a California and specifically a Los Angeles based company we are very inspired by the amazing nature and outdoor spaces that are in literally in our backyards!
We love the history of California-the energy and possibilities of expanded space that the west coast provides-Southern California loves it’s outdoor living spaces.
With the worlds condition, how do you see the work you have done in homewares and interior life being part of a greater discussion on the way things are shifting?
We pride ourselves as a company with sustainable product and practices.
With a custom made to order in the USA machine washable yarn strategy we keep our carbon footprint light and provide unique product for each client and project with competitive pricing. Our research shows that no one was checking all these boxes in this market.
How did this new venture into DTC and the patchwork pattern come together?
We were really excited to offer something unique that we ourselves wanted to design-definitely knitted throws and pillows that were limited editions.
What trends do you see coming up in knitwear and how have you participated or feel like you are pushing the culture forward?
We have had a great response to the unique textures and color combos that we have designed. Knits are very emotional, and our clients really love the feel and energy of knitted goods vs. the usual woven product in the market. We research and are inspired by history of stitches from all over the world -bringing new twists to them into the 21st century with a definite eye on marketplace trend.
How do you see the brand differentiating from other knit oriented interior companies?
We want to highlight we are a custom resource; this is very important as people really respond to ordering and having unique product made for them. Suss has written 7 books about technical knitting, giving bläanks an incredible advantage in developing amazing knitted pillows and throws.
For more information on bläanks