We’re getting our teeth into sustainable label Bite

Earlier this month, Collins Dictionary named ‘single-use’ one of its words of the year. The popularity of the phrase – which refers to plastic items which are used once before being discarded – is a representation of how sustainability has permeated public consciousness. Now more than ever, we’re aware of the need to find alternatives to polluting and non-biodegradable substances and fibres, and swap single-use materials with ones which can be reused and reabsorbed into a circular economy.

Sustainability has become a buzzword within the fashion industry too. Brands are releasing capsule collections using environmentally-friendly fabrics, and innovating with garments created from recycled marine plastic, while luxury conglomerates are recalibrating their supply chains. One label which has been green from the get-go, is the London and Stockholm-based Bite, a brand which champions sustainability on a social, ecological and economic level. 

‘It’s about paring your belief system with your personal life’ says co-creative director Elliot Atkinson, of the mantra behind the 2016-founded label. Alongside William Lundgren, Veronika Kant and Suzanne Elvi, Atkinson creates sustainable and timeless garments which subvert the concept of trend driven fast fashion, and encourage a slow-paced approach to consumption.

‘Our pieces demand great design,’ Atkinson adds. Bite’s third collection features oversized shirts in organic tones, a long A-line skirt and elegant tuxedo jacket, and a trenchcoat with a flattering elasticated tie at the waist. Each piece in the collection is sampled and designed on-site at the label’s east London studio, by the brand's three machinists.

Bite’s refined and minimalist designs are crafted in the highest quality sustainable fabrics, like organic wool and cotton, and recycled polyester. Its environmentally savvy customers can also trace the supply chain of each garment. On Bite’s website, clothing descriptions include information on where they were made, where their materials were sourced, and the level of certification of each fibre used. The silk used in Bite’s designs is sourced from silkworms which die naturally and feed off organic Mulberry trees. ‘William and Veronika work tirelessly to ensure a transparent supply chain,’ Atkinson adds.

‘Our customer really appreciates craftsmanship.' This artful inclination is also emphasised in Bite’s collaborations with artists. Its second season saw a T-shirt team-up with Swedish artist Alexandra Andersson, and its debut was launched with a film by Ohlsson/Dit-Cilinn. Bite’s S/S 2019 offering featuers a burnt orange silk shirt and foulard scarf with a landscape print designed by Belgium-based artist Aisha Christison. State of the art, and sustainable too. 

INFORMATION

For more information, visit the Bite website