Karl Lagerfeld collaborates with Amber Valletta on “conscious accessories”
Karl Lagerfeld has announced it is collaborating with supermodel, actress, activist and one-time muse of the designer himself – who died in February 2019 - Amber Valletta, on an eco-friendly accessories collection for SS21.
The “conscious designs” include a special edition K/Kushion bag, which will be crafted with innovative, socially sustainable materials sourced with minimal ecological impact.
The Karl Lagerfeld x Amber Valletta designs will launch in March 2021 at Karl Lagerfeld stores worldwide, plus on Karl.com, Zalando and more to be revealed at a later date.
Valletta has also selected a range of essential small accessories to include in the line, such as a reusable water bottle, a zip wallet, a card holder, a face mask and a washbag. All of the items have been produced in an ecologically conscious manner that is compliant with Karl Lagerfeld’s ‘Code of Conduct.’
Karl Lagerfeld CEO, Pier Paolo Righi, said: “More than five years ago, Amber and I started discussing the possibility to jointly develop a sustainable project. We were not ready back then, but continuously kept this objective on the radar.
“I’m so excited to now bring Amber on board as a sustainability collaborator, to work on such a project and be able to benefit from her great insights and our shared passion for environmental sustainability. Amber and Karl worked together for many years, and she is a true member of the Karl Lagerfeld family.”
Amber Valletta commented: “Karl and I had so much history together, and I’m excited to be partnering with his namesake brand for a project that’s so meaningful to us both. When I received the first proposals for the co-branding, and saw our names together, I was very touched and even emotional. The K/Kushion bag is such a versatile style, and I love how ours will be made with innovative materials and respect for the environment.”
The Karl Lagerfeld x Amber Valletta edition of the K/Kushion bag will be available in two eco-friendly material options. The first is crafted from a vegan cactus leather which is an environmentally sustainable and recyclable material. Engineered by Desserto in Mexico, it has a plant-based, organic carbon content that’s made with huge water savings as no irrigation is required. It’s also cultivated with no chemicals like herbicides or pesticides.
The second K/Kushion style is made from a 90% recycled cotton in a neutral sandy hue. The fabric has been certified by the Global Recycle Standard (GRS), an organisation that sets requirements for third-party accreditation of recycled content.
The profits generated from the sale of the Karl Lagerfeld x Amber Valletta K/Kushion bag will be donated to a charity that supports the goals of the Fashion Pact.
Karl Lagerfeld signed the Fashion Pact in 2019, as part of its continued efforts to reduce its environmental impact.