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Ecology & Craft
At its very core, BITE is rooted in the principles of ecology and a deep reverence for the natural world. We create the most beautiful pieces to wear close to your skin by exploring natural fabrications, made with both old and new techniques. Each collection is designed with the intention of creating classics that transcend generations and trends, with organic fabrics that feel luxurious and are less damaging to our earth.
On materiality
Our designs are anchored in materiality. If a fabric does not meet our high standards in sustainability or quality, then we will seek an alternative. In rare instances that a design requires the use of manmade materials, we look to recycled fibres, and have a blanket ban on virgin synthetics, non-organic cotton or silk, animal skins or fur, and non-certified viscose. Today between 98% to over 99% of the fibres used in BITE collections adhere to our strict guidelines. Through these fabrics we create pieces that celebrate natural characteristics and beauty.
Explore our Material Library
On production
European production—in Portugal, Italy and Sweden—allows us to invest in building long-term and meaningful relationships with our manufacturing partners and material suppliers. Through collaboration and conversation, and our partners’ strong expertise in traditional methods of craft, a journey of discovery begins that bypasses ephemeral trends or limiting comparisons.
Material Library
We source fabrics following exacting standards to ensure that our designs feel distinctly luxurious against the skin and are less damaging for the earth. Together, these fabrics form our Material Library.
Compiling this library requires diligence, much patience, and a deep understanding of how our industry affects the environment. By questioning ourselves and our suppliers, we continually find less damaging and more innovative ways to work, understanding there is always more that we can do to reduce our impact.
Read more about our materials:
Organic Silk
Located just a short drive from the tranquil banks and forested hills of Lake Como, the mills that produce our organic silk have been making the finest quality fabrics since the early 1900s, via methods deeply rooted in respect for the natural beauty that surrounds them. Organic silk is rich in essential amino acids and natural proteins that nourish the skin and allow it to breathe. While delicate to the touch, it is also durable and maintains its exceptionally soft feel for years to come. No toxic chemicals, insecticides, pesticides or synthetic additives are used in its production—simply the natural process of silkworms feeding on organically grown, GMO-free mulberry tree leaves. Not only does the organic process avoid soil and water pollution, it also significantly reduces energy usage. We use organic silk across everything from evening dresses to shirting.
Responsible & organic wool
We love to work with wool due to its beautiful tactility and unique qualities. We use three different types of wool standards in our collections: organic, responsible, and regenerative. These standards ensure that every type of wool we use comes from farms that are committed to animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility, with full traceability of each and every fibre. By working closely with our suppliers, mainly in Italy, we source the finest and most ethically produced wool in the world (from New Zealand, Patagonia, South Africa and UK) for pieces that are a joy to wear for many years to come. Wool is used across tailoring, outerwear and knitwear.
Organic Cotton
Our organic cotton is mainly sourced from Italian suppliers, and is made using natural methods to control pests and weeds—this reduces the amount of toxic chemicals in the environment and helps to conserve biodiversity, while maintaining soil and water health. Its cultivation relies on ecological processes and cycles, rather than artificial inputs which can have adverse effects. For example, agricultural practices such as crop rotations and inter-cropping promote soil biodiversity. Organic processes are also better for communities, as they eliminate the use of toxic chemicals that can enter the local ecosystems or be breathed in. Organic cotton is also 80% rain-fed, which reduces pressure on local water sources. Furthermore, the creation of our denim pieces is monitored against Environmental Impact Measurements, ensuring that any washes or dyes used have the least impact possible. We use Organic cotton across denim, shirting and everyday jersey layers.
Forest-friendly viscose
Viscose, lyocell and acetate are all types of cellulosic fibres that are produced from the dissolved pulp of trees. The viscose we use comes from certified wood pulp and Canopy-approved suppliers which undergo rigorous audits, ensuring that forests are protected from deforestation and the associated threats to biodiversity. As the production of such materials is typically a chemically intensive process, we strive to minimise the amount used in our collections, which are currently made with around 15% forest-friendly viscose. We use LENZING™ fibre in our fabrics whenever possible, due to the supplier’s progressive approach to reduce chemical, water and energy usage..
Recycled & Regenerative Synthetics
We avoid the use of synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon and elastane whenever possible, with our latest collection containing as low as 0.3% synthetics. When we do use such fabrics—in instances where we fail to achieve another solution, for example—we strive to always use recycled or regenerated versions made from pre- and post-consumer waste. This waste might include PET bottles, ocean plastics or surplus materials from the wider fashion industry. While recycled options require half the amount of energy to make, the process still results in CO2 emissions and includes the use of chemicals, which is why we strive towards our collections containing 0% synthetics in the future.
Materials we never use in BITE garments:
· Acrylics
· Non-Certified Viscose
· Animal Skins, Fur or Feathers
· Virgin Polyester, Polyamide or Elastane
· Conventional Cotton, Wool, Silk or Cashmere
