Wrought-iron gates, Gothic stained glass windows, ornamental fleur-de-lis: elements that seem to belong to forgotten cathedrals or ruined historic sites instead become the creative starting point for Bitter0000, the Brooklyn-based duo that reinterprets ancient architectural motifs into sophisticated silver grillz. Founded by Ava and Anton, the studio is attracting more and more attention online thanks to its highly detailed and recognizable production, suspended between medieval aesthetics, industrial design and fine jewelry. “We have always been obsessed with ancient artifacts,” the two creatives tell Dazed, citing among their main sources of inspiration precisely Gothic architecture, armor, industrial design and period jewelry. An imagery that takes shape inside their Bushwick studio, where time-worn references are transformed through molds and castings into pieces with a cool, sculptural and almost ritualistic aesthetic.
Entering the world of grillz, they explain, came about completely by chance. “We had no experience and did not know anyone who could help us. Grillingz is mostly about persisting, experimenting and continuing until the result turns out right. The basics are easily learned, but getting really good takes time and obsession.” Behind every Bitter0000 piece, however, there is also a strong technical component. “Each creation is a collaboration between art and functionality,” they explain. “We are fascinated by the engineering part of the process: the fit, the materials, the way the piece fits in the mouth, the balance between comfort and aesthetics.”
As for their dream collaborations, the names chosen perfectly reflect their creative universe: Vlad the Impaler, Mary Shelley and H. R. Giger. What if budget is not a limitation? “We would like to create grillz using impossible or unusual materials, such as horn, carved beads or fossils. We are interested in the idea of objects that look more like ceremonial relics than just wearable accessories.” Among future projects, the duo is already working on a set inspired by Victorian mourning jewelry, with hairwork details and miniature lover’s eyes. A beautiful project in short, a perfect example of how the past can continually be a source of inspiration for the present, even for an item as atypical as grillz.
[đź“·Instagram: bitter.000000]
