Amber Valletta unravels the beauty of her KARL LAGERFELD collaboration
A match made in fashion heaven, the new KARL LAGERFELD x AMBER VALLETTA collection marks a new milestone in fashion for its timeless elegance and commitment to sustainability.
One of the most iconic supermodels of our time and the Sustainability Ambassador for KARL LAGERFELD, Amber Valletta returns with her fourth collaboration with the label where she designed a collection of coveted crossbody and tote bags that celebrate timeless elegance, modernity and innovation.
A longtime champion and activist for sustainable fashion, her latest collection with KARL LAGERFELD is more than just fashionable bags. Using MIRUM®, a plant-based, plastic-free leather alternative made from responsibly sourced rubber and natural oils, the new KARL LAGERFELD x AMBER VALLETTA paves a new way for greener fashion that continues to celebrate the Maison's commitment to exquisite craftsmanship.
Focusing on the iconic K/Signature bag collection, this collaboration highlights the tote bag and crossbody bag in three beautiful shades of moss, clay, and saddle brown, where each showcases a subtle tone-on-tone stitched Karl signature, continuing the brand's legacy for timeless sophistication and contemporary aesthetics.
And to celebrate the launch of this new collection, we've gotten the precious opportunity to speak to Amber Valetta herself to unravel the beauty, inspiration and design process of this spectacular collection.
Hello Amber. Congratulations on your new collaboration with KARL LAGERFELD. This marks your fourth time working with the brand. Can you briefly introduce the new KARL LAGERFELD x AMBER VALLETTA collection?
Thank you, I am very proud of this collection. For this new capsule, we wanted to take an iconic handbag of KARL LAGERFELD and use the most innovative materials. The KARL LAGERFELD creative team and the sustainability team went out and found this incredible material called MIRUM® made by NFW in the United States. It looks so luxurious and feels soft to the touch, I love these new bags.”
The new collection uses a new material called "MIRUM" to create the bags. How did you chance upon this material, and can you tell us more about it?
MIRUM® is a new leather-like material that is plastic-free, fossil fuel-free, it is low carbon and vegan. Because MIRUM® is plant-based, it’s naturally circular so it can be returned to the earth at the end of its lifespan or re-engineered to make new MIRUM® and new bags.
I think it’s some of the best new material that feels and looks like leather. It’s proving the point that you can have great design and quality, whilst innovating and changing the way things are made.
There are two designs chosen for this KARL LAGERFELD x AMBER VALLETTA collection. Can you walk us through your inspiration behind it?
We have been collaborating for a few seasons now and we have a great flow between us. Everyone is always so open to finding solutions and looking at approaching each collection in a new and innovative way.
KARL LAGERFELD’s creative and design team present their ideas of what they feel is an interesting concept and then we have a few meetings and decide the best route to take. For this collection we wanted timeless silhouettes and two distinctive styles; this is why we selected a chic crossbody and a spacious tote. In terms of colours, we have chosen natural shades for everyday versatility.
What is your favourite look to pair with the new bag?
I feel both bags can be effortlessly worn with so many looks. I see the crossbody bag as a dressy statement piece worn with a little black dress. The tote is an everyday chic bag, perfect for travelling, I would pair it with a white shirt and denim trousers.
You have been with the brand as its Sustainability Ambassador since 2021 and sustainability is something you have strongly advocated over the years in the industry. How has the journey been?
Karl and I discussed creating a more sustainable capsule collection a decade ago. Unfortunately, it didn’t come to fruition, but KARL LAGERFELD’s CEO Pier Paolo Righi and I became friends and kept the conversation alive for many years.
In 2021, it was the right time to start our journey. Our collaboration has evolved into a long-term partnership where we have quarterly meetings about the entire brand's sustainability efforts, as well as working on capsule collections together.
It has been a wonderful time seeing the brand's overall progress in decreasing their environmental impact. I know this might sound sweet but some of what I love the most is the deep friendships and time spent working on shared passions with the entire company at KARL LAGERFELD.
Lastly, the late Karl Lagerfeld was a close friend of yours for many years, what is the fondest memory you have of him?
My favourite memories with Karl are from the fun dinners he would host at his home in Paris. We ate at this elaborate table that was shaped like a circle with another inner circle on top that you turned to share food. We laughed and listened to Karl tell us stories - engaging all of us in his mesmerizing world. He was one of the most knowledgeable and interesting people I have ever known.
Discover and shop the KARL LAGERFELD x AMBER VALLETTA collection now
