A “family-fueled project” is bringing denim into the areas of the home beyond the consumer closet.
Amsterdam-based Benzak Denim Developers is turning leftover textiles from previous collections into pillowcases.
The repurposed materials are a 15-ounce Japanese tiger selvedge denim the brand introduced in 2019 and a wool/polyester/rayon/nylon blended Japanese saddle blanket fabric woven by Collect Mills. The soft-touch fabric was originally used as a lining for Benzak’s BDJ-06 lined Rider jacket in the Fall/Winter 2022 collection.
The pillowcases are made by Benzak founder Lennaert Nijgh’s mother who is a trained upholsterer.
“What makes the realization of these pillowcases extra special is that we were able to keep this as close to home as we possibly could,” said Eduard Nijgh, Benzak’s content creator and Lennaert’s brother, adding that their mother was “the perfect candidate for the job.”
“She’s even assisted by our sister, who is a fashion design student—keeping it all in the family,” he said.
Excess and upcycled denim textiles often find their way into home. In 2020, Eileen Fisher teamed with West Elm for an eight-piece collection of home decor and furniture designed with upcycled Eileen Fisher fabrics.
More recently, ThredUp tapped designer Daniel Silverstein, also known as Zero Waste Daniel, for a holiday range of dog beds made from upcycled denim.
Benzak’s pillows are available now for pre-order until Jan. 6 and retail for 99 euros (approximately $105). Each case features a Benzak woven label.
“We’re really happy to end [2022] on a sustainable note, and to see as little beautiful fabric as possible go to waste,” Nijgh said.
