New York-based accessories brand Betty & Bradley is targeting travel retail with an innovative Butterfly Hat which combines a head-fitting beanie with an eye mask.
The Butterfly Hat – dubbed the “most stylish hug for your head” – is the brainchild of Betty & Bradley Founder & CEO Lauren Lombardo. The artist and children’s book author developed the hat following a long-haul Delta Air Lines flight from Italy to New York.
Betty & Bradley takes its name from Lauren Lombardo’s grandmother Betty who lived on Bradley Ave in Staten Island, New York City.
Betty had sun catchers, mostly of butterflies, on her windows. The brand’s BB symbol echoes both a butterfly and the B shape of the pouch. |
“During one very uncomfortable flight I started to dream up a way to feel more comfortable on long haul trips, but to look chic at the same time,” she said.
“I imagined a way to build on the traditional eye mask that provided more than shutting out light. I wanted to eliminate the itchy elastic strap, and replace it with something that could muffle noise, shield from freezing overhead air vents and offer a snug feel.
“Looking around during flights I discovered I was not the only one with the challenge of getting comfortable. Napping in public is probably one of the most uncomfortable and unattractive things about air travel. I started to notice how other passengers creatively covered themselves with the use of blankets, beanies, baseball caps and even sunglasses.”
After sewing the first one by hand in 2015, Lombardo developed her accessory over four years before teaming up with a manufacturer in Manhattan to perfect the Butterfly Hat in 2019.
The Butterfly Hat is one-size, unisex and made in New York from 100% organic materials, including bamboo Siro Micromodal Tencel and Ariaprene sustainable neoprene.
It is featured on the Betty & Bradley website in a range of colours including red, black, camouflage and forest green, with other options in the pipeline.
While Lombardo believes the product is ideal for travellers of every age, she is targeting business travellers and “stylish jet setters who can’t sacrifice style for comfort”. She pointed out that the Butterfly Hat can be customised and would be an innovative extra in an airline amenity kit.
“As an art coach and children’s book author [Ed: Dear Sun and Thank You Neighbor are inspired by community, connection and communication and have won awards in the USA and UK] I am passionate about inspiring people to create. I believe that travel and art both help people feel seen and connected.
“This year, I am working with adults and children with special needs to create paintings on my packaging,” Lombardo added.
