Canadian model Tasha Tilberg became emblematic of the Nineties and early-aughts “cool girl” model. With her jet black hair, piercing blue eyes, septum rings and tattoos, Tilberg helped usher a new wave of rebel individualism into the world of high fashion. It’s Tilberg’s same trailblazing ethos that’s now informing the former cover girl’s latest work, including the directional sustainable brands she’s currently championing, such as relative fashion newcomer Bite Studios.
Founded by a collective of creative minds between Stockholm and London, the women’s label aims to redesign the way we wear and consume clothing. With a mission to create a fully sustainable, evergreen collection, each Bite Studios piece is hand-crafted with precise attention to tailoring.
LVR sits down with Tasha to hear more about her plans to further the industry’s collective sustainability efforts and to hear her thoughts on fashion’s quickly evolving role within global ecological discussions.
LVR: Let’s start with where you are today. The last year has seen a heightened commitment to sustainable practices due to the pandemic. How has your perspective changed during these times?
Tasha Tilberg: The initial pause from the pandemic has thankfully caused many people to open their eyes and see the destruction humans cause with their unsustainable consumption. My perspective has not really changed but actually has been strengthened. We need to really push companies, and our fellow individual humans, to act through a lens of climate change. Pushing companies and making individual consumer and lifestyle choices can hopefully alter the trajectory of our world.
LVR: You purchased your first farm as a teenager. What insights toward sustainable fashion can you share from your connection to agriculture?
My connection to agriculture and living close to the Earth has cemented my belief in the necessity of using natural fabrics, and not using herbicides and pesticides. Clothing that can be returned to the Earth without poisoning the Earth in the production process is essential with the amount of humans now inhabiting our planet.
TT: My connection to agriculture and living close to the earth has cemented my belief in the necessity of using natural fabrics, and not using herbicides and pesticides. Clothing that can be returned to the Earth without poisoning the Earth in the production process is essential with the amount of humans now inhabiting our planet.
LVR: Let’s discuss women’s affirmation in the fashion industry. What changes should be made toward women’s equality in the fashion sector regarding communication, production, executive roles and other aspects?
TT: The fashion industry needs to — across the board — increase and provide fair and living wages for garment workers, who are primarily women. I know people will be happy to spend a few dollars more if they knew the people making the cloth or sewing their clothes would be making an adequate living.
The fashion industry needs to — across the board — increase and provide fair and living wages for garment workers, who are primarily women.
LVR: What brands do you personally support for their values and meticulous commitment to a lower environmental impact and social engagement?
TT: I really respect Gabriela Hearst and her thoughtful approach of using natural fibers and sustainable practices. And, I’m really excited [about her] being the creative director of Chloé. A few other brands that really focus on their sourcing and practices are Another Tomorrow, We Are Dhara and Bite Studios.
LVR: What upcoming projects do you have on your plate?
TT: I have increased my food production this year, and am working on a farm store that will have a co-operative element to sell some of my personal fiber arts and clothing, as well as some from other local artisans.
We really need to push companies, and our fellow individual humans, to act through a lens of climate change. Pushing companies and making individual consumer and lifestyle choices can hopefully alter the trajectory of our world.
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LVRSustainable is LuisaViaRoma’s section dedicated to offering a curated selection of the best sustainable brands and special collaborations with renowned non-profits, organizations and brands to benefit social and environmental causes. LVRSustainable aims to build a global sustainable community and to promote creativity by supporting conscious fashion: organic, vegan, ethical trade, eco-friendly, women’s empowerment, special projects, upcycling & recycling, and luxury & craftsmanship products.
