Bespoke linen maker Julia Berger has collaborated with master calligrapher Bernard Maisner to produce a collection of hand-made, luxury linens, "Bernard Maisner by Julia B." Berger has translated the calligraphic and artistic designs of Maisner via embroidery onto fine linens.
"I love the pursuit of 'taking calligraphy off the page' and exploring new applications to showcase the power of writing as a graphic and emotive element,” said Maisner. “Thread becomes my ink, and linen my paper, in this exciting collaboration with Julia B. The beauty of the detailed and tactile results is stunning. Julia and I passionately value the purity of our respective arts—and by virtue of being hand made, each item in this collection is a one-of-a-kind original work of art."
"I have long admired Bernard Maisner's artistry, so I was thrilled when he agreed to a collaboration that I had been quietly dreaming of for years,” said Berger, founder of Julia B. Couture Linens. “Perhaps we could expand on the classic monogram and apply calligraphy to linens instead of paper? In this world of mass made, mass produced products, I am always looking for ways to promote the art of ‘The Hand Made’ and I am thrilled with the results of this collection."
The collection is comprised of three categories: tabletop, including cocktail napkins, napkins and place servings; bedding, including bed sheets, coverlets, duvet covers, pillows and shams; and accessories, comprising of decorative pillows, paperweights and a Holiday collection to include stockings and tree skirts.
The design elements respectfully interpret Maisner's calligraphy, calligraphic flourishes and animal motifs onto 100% cotton percale and linen in customized embroidery thread colors. As part of this unique collaboration, every item in this collection will be personally autographed by Maisner, and packaged in a Julia B. designed, hand-made cotton and linen "envelope," which emphasizes the marriage of embroidery and fine stationery in this unique collaboration.
The collection will be available online and at select retailers beginning next month.