FASHION FOR A BETTER FUTURE
Across all aspects of the collection, Amber and KARL LAGERFELD Design Director Hun Kim shared the vision of fashion produced more sustainably — from initial design to sourcing and production. Fabrics were intentionally selected to include recycled materials as much as possible, including recycled cotton, TENCEL lyocell (sourced from responsibly managed forests), and LYCRA EcoMade (made from recycled plastics and renewable plant-based resources). Natural dyes were also used when feasible and production houses were selected for proximity to fabric source.
“We wanted to honor the past with Karl’s iconic and influential designs while at the same time optimizing for the future with innovative, more sustainable materials and processes through using the EIM process,” Amber explains. “We focused on limiting our negative impact on water and energy consumption, chemicals used, and worker health.”
WHAT WOULD KARL DESIGN?
Throughout the process, Amber says she continuously reflected on her close friendship with the late designer and kept him top of mind. “We design within the mindset of what is the essence of the KARL LAGERFELD brand,” Amber explains. “What would Karl design? What would Karl wear? Each collection brings new opportunities to improve upon the previous ones.”
DENIM FOR DECADES
It’s no secret that denim is one of one of the fashion industry’s largest contributors to pollution, which begs the question why Amber focused on it in her third season collection with KARL LAGERFELD. “People often keep denim in their closet longer than other pieces — sometimes even for decades — which inspired us to create something better and long-lasting,” Amber says. “We wanted to introduce an iconic denim collection that was uniquely KARL LAGERFELD, made with a focus on sustainability aspects, such as organic and recycled materials, and with less impact, which we measured through the EIM scores for all denim RTW pieces.”
EIM, or Environmental Impact Measuring by Jeanologia, is an innovative measuring tool that enables laundries to build more sustainable processes to reduce a fabric’s negative impact on workers and the environment. The system measures water and energy consumption, chemical products and worker health, and KARL LAGERFELD has earned a “Green” (or low impact) score.
“I’m most proud that the quality of the denim in this collection is fantastic,” Amber says. “It feels incredible and is crafted with recycled or organic cotton materials.” Her favorite piece? The patchwork bags and bucket hats, which are made from deadstock fabric and denim leftovers, to give them a second life and divert textile waste from landfills.
SMALL ACTS, BIG IMPACT
Are you inspired to start making a more positive impact? Amber says simple changes in day-to-day behaviors are already a great place to begin. “Consider why you are purchasing something new, or review your household items made of plastic that can be switched to glass or aluminum,” she suggests. Want to take it a step further? “It continues with educating yourself and getting involved. Find what you care about in your community and participate actively. Vote. Discover what you're passionate about and work with NGOs that are doing that work. It’s an all-hands-on-deck moment in our world.”
