The Bite Magazine - Autmn/Winter 2020 - Issue 28

bitefashion DESIGN CONCEPT This collection is in direct response to what is happening in the world at present. Landfill space running out, the plastic in the oceans, the melting glaciers and polar ice, the list goes on. If we do not act now, when? The responsibility lies with everyone all along the supply chain, including the end-user. The traditional African fabric is made from the bark of the Mutuba tree, native to Uganda.  In 2014, José Hendo founded the initiative Bark To The Roots (B2TR), to promote the use of barkcloth worldwide and help preserve the knowledge surrounding the material’s use and production, which is recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO. Following the overarching motto of José Hendo’s work R3 – Reduce Reuse Recycle, the three stripes on the garments act as a call to action. It takes inspiration from past concepts, research, and design, using sustainable principles, especially ‘Reduce Reuse Recycle’ to create a collection where the message encourage change. It is made from organic fabrics (barkcloth, cotton, silk, hemp, bamboo) and the classic José Hendo shapes. Upcycling is a key element in part of this story. Using a zero-waste approach where nothing goes to waste, clever-cutting reduced conventional fastenings overall low impact on natural resources - resulting in a timelessness that is so relevant today. SOTN encapsulates the craftsmanship excellence from craftsman to craftsman using barkcloth that is the perfect ambassador for sustainability. It is rustic, earthy, organic and biodegradable. The garments are made from different shades of terracotta and black barkcloth, sustainably printed silk, organic cotton, bamboo, hemp and upcycled woollen garments. NOW IS THE TIME FOR CHANGE. Three of the garments are in direct response to the dumping of second-hand clothing from Europe and America in Africa. José Hendo is demonstrating how African people can utilise what they already know to turn the situation into an advantage by means of upcycling or traditional techniques such as hand-weaving. ANTONERICK PPF (Past Present Future) Upcycled set from men’s woollen blazer and coat with barkcloth. As part of my ongoing R3 campaign, this is one way of elongating the life of a garment and reducing waste. Connecting the past and present to the future.