NEW YORK – Extra long staple Sea Island Cotton is so scarce that it accounts for just 0.0004% of all the cotton produced in the world, a mere 150 bales per year.
For years, that production has been earmarked for a circle of manufacturers producing fine apparel, primarily bespoke shirts. Now, Scandia Home has been granted exclusive access to produce bedding made from “the Hermès of cotton,” which is 20% longer than extra long stable Egyptian Giza cotton.
The luxury home textiles company’s new Lucea Sea Island has just launched online and will also be made available to Scandia’s wholesale accounts – fine linens boutiques and interior designers.
It took two years to secure the supply chain for the collection, starting with getting access to the cotton, which is hand-harvested in small batches from the West Indies, where specific soil conditions and centuries-old cultivation methods yield exceptionally long, fine cotton fibers.
Scandia worked with the West Indies Sea Island Cotton Association (WISICA), which certifies which companies can buy the cotton for production. The Sea Island Cotton for Scandia’s bedding is sourced from Jamaica, spun in Switzerland, then woven and sewn in Italy.
“WISICA was so happy to get the cotton into another category – and into the United States,” said Colleen Brewer, Scandia’s VP of development and creative.
The Lucea Sea Island collection includes sheets ($1,125 queen), duvet covers ($2,500 queen), shams (under $500 each) and pillowcases ($575 for a standard pair). Those prices are attainable for Scandia’s luxury customers, Brewer noted.
“We think of it as an heirloom product,” said added.
The label on each piece of bedding is co-branded Scandia – WISICA. In addition, duvet cover customers also receive a booklet detailing the history of Sea Island Cotton. Lucea Sea Island is also Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified.
Brewer described the hand as “sumptuous but not precious,” noting that Lucea Sea bedding is designed to stand up to animals, kids and “anything that jumps on your bed.”
Scandia has long been known for its European down basic bedding, but it continues to expand. Recent introductions include a cashmere/cotton blend coverlet manufactured in Italy with 60% cashmere. The company will also debut a new plush towel collection and bathmats at the Atlanta Market in January.
It is expanding its retail footprint as well. It will open its first East Coast store next year, taking space in what was once the Gracious Home store at 3th Avenue and 70th Street in New York. The company currently operates four stores on the West Coast.
“We’re about quality and things that last,” said Brewer. “It’s a beautiful brand.”
