bassike

bassike is an Australian contemporary label founded in 2006 by Deborah Sams and Mary Lou Ryan. It began with organic cotton jersey basics and now makes womenswear, menswear, denim, footwear and accessories, largely produced in Australia.

What is bassike?

bassike is a contemporary fashion brand from Australia, founded in 2006 by Deborah Sams, its creative director, and Mary Lou Ryan, who leads supply chain and sustainability. The two had worked together in the industry before launching the label.

History

bassike started with design-led jersey essentials made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, which the founders note was a new concept in fashion at the time. A jersey developed for the first collection is still in the range. The brand has manufactured in Australia since launch, working with local makers and suppliers, many of whom have been with it from the start.

Products and positioning

The label is known for seasonless designs, slouchy androgynous shapes and a mix of masculine and feminine elements, with details such as twisted side seams and contrast topstitching. It produces four women's and four men's collections a year.

• Women's and men's mainline collections
• Jersey essentials
• Denim
• Footwear and accessories
• Leather garments hand-constructed in Sydney

Sustainability initiatives include compostable packaging, renewable energy, a store recycling programme and emissions offsetting through tree planting.

Distribution

bassike sells through its own stores in Australia, its online store and selected stockists.

Why it matters

bassike is one of the Australian labels that showed local manufacturing and organic materials could underpin a commercially successful premium brand.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded bassike?

bassike was founded in 2006 by Deborah Sams and Mary Lou Ryan.

Where is bassike made?

bassike has manufactured in Australia since its launch, with leather garments hand-constructed in Sydney.

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