At Nomadic Reign, we take immense pride in preserving and celebrating the legacy of antique buggy blankets, a remarkable testament to the craftsmanship of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These blankets, also referred to as carriage or sleigh robes, were not just practical items for warmth during cold-weather travel—they were symbols of luxury, status, and artistry, designed to elevate the experience of riding in horse-drawn carriages.
A Glimpse into the Golden Era of Buggy Blankets:
From the 1890s to the 1920s, as horse-drawn transportation flourished in both urban and rural areas, the demand for high-quality, beautifully crafted blankets grew. Wealthy families who owned sleighs, carriages, and buggies relied on these blankets not only for protection from the elements but also as status symbols that displayed their wealth and refined taste. Strook and Chase Manufacturing Company, two of the most renowned producers of these blankets, catered to affluent clientele by producing blankets that were both durable and aesthetically stunning.
The typical buggy blanket was crafted from a luxurious blend of wool, mohair, and horsehair—materials chosen for their insulating properties, durability, and resistance to harsh weather conditions. Their heavyweight design ensured that passengers were kept warm even during freezing temperatures. Many buggy blankets featured an innovative detail—weighted corners—which helped keep the blanket in place during bumpy rides or gusty winds. This combination of craftsmanship and clever design made these blankets indispensable for long journeys through cold, open terrains.
Key Manufacturers and Their Signature Styles:
Strook Company
The Strook Company, based in New York City, became a dominant name in the world of buggy blankets during this era. Their specialty lay in crafting blankets from mohair and horsehair, weaving intricate patterns that often included animals, nature scenes, and geometric motifs. Strook blankets were known for their vivid colors, which ranged from deep burgundies and forest greens to bright golds and vibrant blues. These colors were often combined in intricate designs that depicted hunting scenes, pastoral landscapes, and floral arrangements, adding a sense of artistry and grandeur to an otherwise practical item.
The Strook family, who owned the company, expanded into various textiles, but their buggy blankets remain their most collectible pieces. Their eye for detail, innovative use of fabric, and bold, intricate designs have made Strook buggy blankets highly sought after by collectors today.
Chase Manufacturing Company
Similarly, Chase Manufacturing, also out of New York, was revered for its buggy blankets. Chase was particularly well-known for their distinctive, nature-inspired motifs, with an emphasis on horses, stags, and other wildlife. Chase blankets frequently depicted bucolic scenes—horses galloping through meadows, dogs lying by the fire, or stags standing proudly in the forest. These blankets not only served their functional purpose but also conveyed the owner's affinity for nature, animals, and the outdoor lifestyle, themes that resonate deeply with our philosophy at Nomadic Reign.
Each Chase blanket was a piece of art, rich in texture and color, often featuring hand-finished edges and carefully chosen fabrics. These blankets were considered a mark of wealth and refinement, typically passed down through generations as family heirlooms. Today, their legacy lives on through the bespoke fashion pieces we create, using these antique treasures as the base for new, one-of-a-kind garments.
Design and Functionality:
Buggy blankets were practical but far from mundane. Their designs were not just decorative but often symbolic, reflecting the culture and values of the time. Popular patterns included floral motifs symbolizing beauty and rebirth, animal designs representing loyalty and strength, and geometric patterns showcasing the precision and artistry of their makers. The luxurious nature of these blankets, combined with their handcrafted details and rich color palettes, made them prized possessions.
For extra security against the elements, many buggy blankets were made with thick weaves that trapped warmth, and their designs often included corner weights or thick hems to prevent them from being swept away by wind during carriage rides. The blankets were large enough to cover passengers entirely, yet stylish enough to enhance the overall aesthetic of the sleigh or carriage.
Legacy and Modern Relevance:
As automobiles began to replace horse-drawn vehicles in the early 20th century, the demand for buggy blankets dwindled, and manufacturers like Strook and Chase shifted their focus to other textile products. However, the legacy of these luxury blankets has endured. Today, they are prized by collectors, historians, and fashion enthusiasts for their exquisite craftsmanship, unique designs, and historical significance.
At Nomadic Reign, we take great care to ensure that this legacy continues, by repurposing these antique buggy blankets into bespoke couture pieces. Our mission is to preserve their artistry and cultural significance while breathing new life into them through modern fashion. When you wear one of our custom-made coats, crafted from an antique buggy blanket, you are not only wearing a piece of history—you are continuing a legacy of craftsmanship, elegance, and enduring beauty.
Our Personal Connection:
For us at Nomadic Reign, each buggy blanket represents a journey through time. We are inspired by the stories of those who once wrapped themselves in these blankets, traveling through the cold, open landscapes of places like Montana, Wyoming, or the Northeastern United States. The warmth, protection, and beauty these blankets offered their owners is something we strive to carry forward in our work today. By transforming these historical pieces into contemporary fashion, we honor the craftsmanship of the past while ensuring that these blankets remain both functional and fashion-forward.
Each piece in our collection is a tribute to the rich history of buggy blankets, carefully crafted to be both a timeless fashion statement and a symbol of the adventurous, nomadic spirit that has always driven us. Whether draped across your shoulders on a chilly evening or hung as a decorative piece in your home, these blankets continue to tell their story—one that blends heritage with modern elegance.
At Nomadic Reign, we don’t just create coats; we create legacies—stories woven from the past, reimagined for the present, and destined for the future.