The textile industry is constantly changing and evolving, and the appeal of handmade goods is undeniable, especially when they are locally made. Biquette, based in Long Island, New York, stands out in the textile industry by combining artistry with sustainable production.
At NY NOW’s Summer Wholesale Event, Biquette made a splash with its wedding and baby blankets from its Long Island textile mill. Its textile heritage dates back decades, and its story of transformation and transition is remarkable.
Background and origins of Biquette
According to co-owner Andy Concilio, Biquette has been a part of the textile industry for 28 years, sourcing yarn from Taiwan, China, Thailand, Indonesia, and Europe. It began by making women’s sweaters; in 1999, it started producing blankets.
Five to seven years ago, the company began to innovate. “We came up with the idea of on-demand production, making blankets on demand, using a variety of fibers, so there’s virtually no waste and no inventory,” he said. This concept is simple: Produce only when there is demand, whether for a single item or a batch of 100. This is in stark contrast to the industry standard of mass production.
The artistry of Biquette
Biquette puts a strong focus on artistry. By collaborating with talented artists and designers worldwide, the brand offers everything from modern abstract designs to intricate traditional patterns made with high-quality raw materials, such as Egyptian cotton and merino wool.
Each blanket tells the story of its creator and the process of making it. As a result, owning a Biquette blanket steeped in history and emotion is like owning a unique piece of art.
The downside of mass production
The traditional textile system is inefficient, according to Consilio. “Typically, you bring in production from overseas. You need to design the product months in advance, and you don’t know how many you will sell.” There is a lag between ordering and delivering the product.
When the product arrives at the retailer, it has to be sold at a reduced price if it doesn’t sell quickly. Typically, about 30 to 40 percent of the product doesn’t sell and ends up in a landfill,” he added. Even luxury brands are not immune to this trap, according to Consilio.
Many brands overproduce rather than sell their products to discount stores and are burned to the ground. This harms the environment and underscores the imperfections of an unpredictable and overproduction-driven system.
Sustainable production and ethical consumption
Biquette’s core philosophy is to provide sustainable, high-quality products that continue New York’s rich history of textiles while significantly reducing the inevitable carbon footprint of long-distance shipments from international factories.
This reflects Biquette’s forward-thinking approach and dedication to ethical consumption in today’s environmentally conscious world. It prides itself on producing exquisite blankets that balance softness, weight, durability, and performance. These blankets are heirlooms, beautifully designed to stand the test of time, and can be passed down from generation to generation.
Direct-to-consumer and fair wages
Unlike some major brands, Biquette sells directly to the consumer and pays its workers a fair wage. Biquette believes in creating the highest quality products, minimizing waste, and benefiting the consumer.
According to Consilio, the façade and certification system of the big brands only increases expenses without improving the workers’ working conditions. In addition, Biquette avoids the use of recycled materials in textiles as much as possible and advocates for more sensible recycling practices. “If you use recycled materials and only recycle them once, 34 percent of them still go into landfills,” he said.
Local operations, global collaborations, and a customized business model
Through local operations, collaborations with international artists, and a customized business model, Biquette is redefining the future of textiles and retail. Every stitch, every pattern, and every blanket demonstrate the possibilities that come from the fusion of artistry, ethical craftsmanship, and sustainability.
To wrap it all up
Biquette stands out in the textile industry by combining artistry with sustainable production. By sourcing yarn from around the world, collaborating with talented artists and designers, and offering direct-to-consumer sales with fair wages, Biquette is redefining the future of textiles and retail.
Every stitch, every pattern, and every blanket demonstrate the possibilities that come from the fusion of artistry, ethical craftsmanship, and sustainability. Biquette is leading the way in the textile industry by providing high-quality, sustainable products that reduce the carbon footprint of long-distance shipments from international factories.
Translated by Audrey Wang
