THE Karl Lagerfeld brand has revealed the fruits of its first collaboration with actress, model and activist Amber Valletta, focusing on a series of ethical and eco-responsible accessories.
The cactus, one of several vegan and sustainable alternatives to animal leather, is at the heart of this collection to be discovered from April 8 exclusively on Karl.com and Zalando.
The alternatives to animal and synthetic leather are already numerous and increasing, and the fashion industry seems keen to progressively integrate them into future collections. After mushroom fibres, used by Hermès and Stella McCartney, cactus leather is next.
This is not the first time that this vegetable material has been used in fashion, but it's making an appearance this week as one of two star materials of the first collection signed Karl Lagerfeld x Amber Valletta.
The label has teamed up with one of its longtime muses, Amber Valletta, known for her commitment to sustainability. The result is a collection of eco-responsible accessories for spring 2021, designed from sustainable and ethical materials and produced in a way that limits its environmental impact. With this first collaboration, the Karl Lagerfeld brand continues in the line with its commitment to creating more sustainable fashion, announced in 2019 when it joined the Fashion Pact.
Comprising a dozen accessories, the collection highlights the iconic K/Kushion bag, offered in two eco-friendly materials: Desserto cactus leather, available in pleated or seamless versions, and GRS (Global Recycle Standard)-certified recycled cotton; both of which have been coloured with organic pigments. Other pieces include a protective mask, cardholder, and washbag.
Available now on the brand's e-shop and on Zalando, the collection will be offered from Friday in all Karl Lagerfeld stores worldwide, at prices ranging from 49 to 395 euros. A portion of the profits from the sale of the eco-friendly K/Kushion bag will be donated to The Ocean Cleanup non-profit organisation.
This is just the beginning of the creative encounter between Karl Lagerfeld and Amber Valletta. A second sustainable collection, this time including ready-to-wear, is already planned for spring 2022. – ETX Studio, April 9, 2021
