A Bristol fashion designer will saw some of her work paraded by music stars from around the UK at the Brit Awards last night. Katcha Bilek, who runs her own fashion design company, KB, won a contract to supply men’s goodie bags at the 2014 edition of the major awards ceremony for the British music industry.
Male performers, presenters and winners each received one of the 42 custom-made manbags at the prestigious event which took place last night at London’s O2 Arena.
KB is based at Hamilton House, part of the Stokes Croft artists’ quarter in Bristol. Founded in 1999, the company specialises in ethical, sustainable fashion items, made from 100% reclaimed materials.
The bespoke pieces, designed to be a rugged all-purpose holdall for the man about town, are made from a single lorry inner tube.
The KB team constructs the bags, belts and accessories from ex-industrial inner tubes, bike tyres, and seatbelts.
All KB’s materials are locally sourced and are also 100% vegan, as well as being hand-crafted in Bristol.
The company is a zero-waste organisation, and uses very little electricity in making its products.
“We are thrilled to be a Brits 2014 Official Goodie Bag Partner, and to be spreading the sustainable fashion message to an even greater audience. We can’t wait to see some of the UK’s top musicians wearing our bags out and about.” says Katcha.
Katcha is no stranger to industry prizes and awards, although tonight will mark a significant step up in those she is used to receiving herself.
In 2013, KB was made a fellow of the Ethical Fashion forum for pioneering work in promoting sustainability and ethical values in the fashion industry.
The company won highly commended in the Innovation: Accessories and Footwear category of the 2013 Ethical Fashion Forum SOURCE Awards and also won a silver award for Specialist Media in the 2013 Craft & Design Selected Awards.
