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“People often think we are a European-based linen company,” saysBianca Lorenne owner, Alison Nottingham. “Maybe French, or Italian.”But the business started off in theNottingham family home in NewPlymouth, with husband Peter andnamed after the couple’s daughters,Bianca (now 17) and Lauren (now 19).Wholesaling a wide range of bedlinen, table linen, silk products, fabrics,furniture and homeware accessories,Bianca Lorenne was established in2005.“I have a passion for quilting andembroidery. I’m obsessed with it,”Alison cheerfully admits. “When Icouldn’t find anything like that for ourbedrooms at home, I started to wonderwhether there could be a market for it.”She went overseas to find suppliersand artisans for the quality productsshe was after and started out with arange of bedspreads, comforters andItalian bed linen.After two years, the business hadgrown to a stage that it needed tobe moved out of their home. So theypurchased a workspace at Unit 9, 477aDevon St East, which today has becometheir warehouse, offices, showroomand outlet store.Bianca Lorenne now exports toAustralia and the United Kingdom, inaddition to the 800 boutique retailersand interior designers they have inNew Zealand.From just herself and Peter, thebusiness now employs ten people –including youngest daughter Bianca.“My brother and his wife are ourdistributors in the UK, and my othersister-in-law is my Operations Manager.Everyone here is a very important partof the Bianca Lorenne family. We allwork really well together. It’s a neatplace to work because it’s so creative.We encourage that type of atmosphere.”The company vision is to designexquisite bed linen and home textilesfor the discerning customer, through aunique and stunning brand.Bianca Lorenne designs draw oninfluences from different centuries,cultures and traditions.“Many of our designs are still handdrawn, with love and attention todetail on each and every product. Ourdesigners travel regularly to source,design and search trends and globalinfluences,” says Alison.Every item is handcrafted in arefined colour palette and embellishedwith exquisite adornments. Suitablein both the classic and contemporaryhome, exclusive limited editions arereleased every six months, givingclientele the opportunity to build ontheir collection.“We want to keep the beauty andtradition of hand craftsmanship alivein this ever increasing mass-producedworld,” maintains Alison. “Our talentedartisans have perfected these skillsover many generations. They are notonly incredibly skilled, but have apassion for this beautiful, timelesswork.”A bed dressed in Bianca Lorennelinen is visually pleasing, inviting andabove all practical. “We spend a thirdof our lives in bed so nothing is morerefreshing than a peaceful night’ssleep.”Bianca Lorenne now offers theservices of a bedding stylist who offersin-home consultations.“This service can be really helpful forpeople who would like to improve theirbedroom but aren’t sure where to start,”says Alison. “It’s all about helping youchoose what’s right for your bedroom.”JUST ARRIVED!An exquisite collection of furniture.On display NOW at our Outlet Storeand Showroom.OPENING HOURS:Monday to Friday 9am - 5pmSaturday 9.30am - 1pm9/477a devon street east . new plymouth e info@biancalorenne.co.nz p + 64 6 758 1771 www. biancalorenne.co.nzLIVE MAGAZINE I SPRING 2013 I 9