1994: The First Pillow is Born
It all began in New York City, where founder Rebecca Vizard, working on an interior design project, couldn’t find the perfect tailored antique textile pillow. A visit to the 26th St. Flea Market led to a serendipitous discovery of textiles, resulting in the creation of an “understated but over-the-top” pillow that would mark the beginning of B.Viz Design.
1994: Gerrie Bremermann’s Seal of Approval
Legendary interior designer Gerrie Bremermann immediately fell in love with Rebecca's creations and began incorporating the pillows into her renowned projects. Soon, B.Viz pillows were a staple in Bremermann’s sought-after New Orleans store, quickly gaining a loyal following among designers and collectors alike.
1996: Going National with Neiman Marcus
In a major breakthrough, B.Viz pillows caught the eye of luxury retailer Neiman Marcus, leading to an exclusive order for 22 of their top stores across the U.S. To fulfill the order, Rebecca embarked on her first trip to France, sourcing exquisite textiles for 220 custom pillows—far beyond what the NYC flea markets could offer. This milestone was followed by B.Viz’s first feature in Southern Accents through Bremermann’s projects, marking the brand's entrance into the world of luxury design media.
1998: Expanding to Houston
By 1998, prestigious stores like Watkins, Culver, and Gardner in Houston began carrying B.Viz pillows. As demand grew, Rebecca continued to craft pillows for her interior design clients, and B.Viz’s presence became synonymous with elegant, antique-inspired décor.
2002: The First Website & A Southern Accents Feature
In 2002, B.Viz launched its first website, a crucial step in expanding its reach. That same year, Southern Accents published a full-page feature on B.Viz, catapulting the business to new heights. Orders poured in, and for the next several years, Rebecca balanced her growing pillow business with a thriving interior design career—until Hurricane Katrina changed everything.
2005: After Katrina – A Focus on Pillows
When Katrina struck, much of Rebecca’s design work was based in New Orleans. During the city’s slow recovery, she made the decision to focus solely on the pillow business. What began as a necessity soon became an opportunity, allowing her to turn her passion for antique textiles into a full-time venture. Textile hunting trips became a family affair, with travels to flea markets around the world, from Buenos Aires to Paris.
2011: Neiman Marcus Fantasy Gift
B.Viz reached another major milestone in 2011 when Neiman Marcus commissioned Rebecca to create one of the exclusive Fantasy Gifts for their Christmas catalog. Her lavish creation, a yurt with a circular purple sofa adorned with B.Viz pillows, was featured on the Today Show, bringing widespread attention to her unique designs.
2015: Once Upon a Pillow
In 2015, Rebecca released Once Upon a Pillow, a beautifully illustrated book that showcases the artistry of B.Viz Design. The first book signing took place at the Fortuny showroom in New York, followed by numerous signings, pillow shows, and speaking engagements across the country.
2016: Global Headquarters & Revitalizing St. Joseph
With the business flourishing, Rebecca opened B.Viz Design’s Global Headquarters in St. Joseph, Louisiana, in 2016, aiming to revitalize the small town. This marked a new chapter for the brand, combining global inspiration with a local touch.
2017-2018: Expanding with Family & Opening the NOLA Atelier
In 2017, Rebecca’s daughter Sarah joined the business, and together they embarked on a series of shows and speaking engagements. In October 2018, they opened the B.Viz Atelier in New Orleans, solidifying the brand’s presence in the heart of the city’s vibrant design community.
2019: Honored as a Louisiana Legend
In 2019, Rebecca was recognized as a Louisiana Legend at the state capitol, an honor televised on PBS. This prestigious recognition highlighted not only her contributions to design but also her role in preserving the artistry of antique textiles through B.Viz Design.
2023: Featured on Homeworthy
In 2023, B.Viz Design received national attention once again with a feature on Homeworthy. This in-depth interview and tour offered a behind-the-scenes look at the heart and soul of B.Viz, highlighting Rebecca’s dedication to preserving the beauty of antique textiles while evolving her brand over the decades.
From a single pillow to a global business celebrating 30 years, B.Viz Design has been built on a foundation of passion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to timeless elegance. We are proud to continue the journey, bringing antique textiles and luxury design to homes around the world.
Here's to the next chapter!
