The eagerly awaited Yosakura collection from Bianca Lorenne has arrived! Embodying all things Oriental, this new range features beautiful prints and handcrafted finishes, underpinned by a rich colour palette. We sat down with Alison from Bianca Lorenne who filled us in on the story behind this collection.
What was the inspiration for the Yosakura collection?
I have an absolute passion for anything oriental, and especially Japanese. During early spring in Japan, streets of blooming cherry blossoms make a stunning scene!! Hanami (the name of one of our prints) means “watching blossoms” and at night viewing spots are crowded with people enjoying the blossoms in the beautiful romantic atmosphere. Hanami at night is called Yosakura, hence the name of our collection and the lanterns that feature in the gorgeous Chouchin print.
We’re loving the rich colour palette used this season. Can you tell us a bit more about the colours chosen for this collection?
One of my favourite colours is ochre and all shades of it. It’s a warm, cosy and uplifting colour and mixed with the beautiful pinks of the blossoms and rich berry red creates opulent striking statement pieces. Ever popular neutrals feature as well, along with pretty Cerulean Blue and duck egg for a softer palette.
What are the standout pieces?
There are quite a few of these in this collection but the ultimate stand out piece would be the Chouchin print. Chouchin translates to the traditional paper lanterns seen in Japan and features cherry blossoms, Japanese white eye birds, calligraphy and lanterns finished with tassels. Our velvet origami cushions have been hand smocked and create wonderful texture and shadows. Ereganto berry velvet comforter is a stunning and super opulent embroidered comforter with fan shapes, flowers and birds.
What materials did you use?
We have used a mix of fabrics and weaves in this collection. Japan is well known for interesting weaves and we have celebrated this in the Noma marine bedspread and Hishigata throw. Many of the items are linen or linen/cotton mix and the Sashiko midnight bedcover and Tessere midnight comforter are made from a very soft washed linen chambray. The yarn has been dyed and the fabric woven with a subtle texture. Velvet has always been a major part of our collections and features again with embroidery, texture and embellishments like the handcrafted chunky French knots on the Mirabel comforter. The Komerebi knitted throw is amazingly soft, knitted with a mix of alpaca and wool. Fine quality cotton poplin with a high thread count has been used for our new printed Banbu sheet sets and duvet covers.
Tell us more about the techniques used. How are Bianca Lorenne products made?
Yosakura was such a fun collection to design, being able to incorporate some of the Japanese textile techniques that I am so passionate about. The art of Origami has been used with velvet hand smocked cushions. Sashiko is a striking hand-sewing technique that originated in ancient Japan. In Japanese, its name means “little stabs”—a reference to the plain running stitch that makes up sashiko’s geometric, all-over patterns. We have used this technique to embellish the Sashiko charcoal velvet comforter, Sashiko Midnight bedcover and Sashiko ochre bolster cushion. The Hoshi ivory bedspread also celebrates Sashiko stitching with its quilting technique.
All of our products are designed in house, with many hours of deliberation to ensure each and every piece has meaning and works together as a part of the whole collection. The prints have been hand painted by our talented artist and then translated into a repeat fabric design. Embroidery and quilting designs all reflect the celebration of Yosakura and Japanese design and style. Limited edition designs are made offshore under intense scrutiny by ourselves, using handcrafted techniques and the finest quality materials. This ensures each and every piece is unique in itself and they become heirloom pieces to treasure for many years.
After producing such a beautiful collection, what’s next for Bianca Lorenne?
That’s a very interesting question! Believe me we are always striving for the next best and for each collection to have its own beauty in one way or another. Watch this space…
Shop the Bianca Lorenne Yosakura collection online now or visit us in store and let our home linen consultants help you put together the perfect combination for your home!
