Article Archive: Cent Magazine, Compassion from High Fashion; Green Thumbs Up
For many people, purchasing a designer bag is an investment. Any quality-made accessory, especially one that lasts for years and elevates how you present yourself, is a worthwhile purchase. But what if, in an era when sustainability is at the height of our priorities, you can invest in the environment simultaneously?
How common is it to see luxury and sustainability sitting at the same table? Though purchasing a beautiful designer item is more likely to indicate that it will have a longer lifespan, what one perceives to be glamorous often coincides with what is trending or expensive. The quality of the materials alongside the craft of assembling them makes it an environmental investment as much as a unique item to adore.
Like any artistic form, fashion makes a statement about something broader than its physical semblance. For some, it’s a status symbol, a reward, support for a designer whom they feel a connection to, or it’s simply an item they’ve fallen in love with. The House of Karl Lagerfeld and Amber Valletta’s bags add something to that list.
In collaboration with the Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI), Karl Lagerfeld is reimagining luxury with a new, limited-edition tote bag collection. Handcrafted by artisans from Burkina Faso and Kenya, the bags blend traditional craftsmanship with social and environmental responsibility. The bag is embellished with glass beadwork made by Maasai tribes in Kenya and assembled at Tujikuze in Nairobi.
“This tote is more than a bag—it celebrates creativity, community, and thoughtful design. Collaborating on this project has been an energizing experience, highlighting our interconnectedness and the beauty of honoring traditional heritage alongside contemporary design.”
Amber Valletta, Sustainability Ambassador for Karl Lagerfeld
Karl Lagerfeld’s Creative Director, Hun Kim, partnered with supermodel, actress and activist Amber Valletta, who became the brand’s official Sustainability Ambassador in 2021. As a part of Karl Lagerfeld’s ongoing journey with Karl Cares, the brand’s acknowledgment and objective toward making all areas of its business more sustainable, they aimed to design a tote with minimal trims and no plastic-based elements.
“As our ongoing partnership with Amber evolves each season, we explore projects that fuse our mutual passions for craftsmanship and collaboration. We are honored to work with the Ethical Fashion Initiative’s teams across Africa—from dedicated farmers to talented weavers and skilled artisans—to bring this tote bag to life while respecting meaningful local traditions.”
Hun Kim, Creative Director of Karl Lagerfeld
With only 320 pieces available, each bag is a testament to fine artistry and sustainability. When a well-known brand like Karl Lagerfeld teams up with someone like Amber Valletta to promote positive change, it’s likely others will be inspired to do the same.
Change must start from the top and trickle down; decisions like who we buy from have a direct impact. This collection exemplifies that fashion can evolve to not only look good, but do good.
Bags available for €249 from April 2025 at select KARL LAGERFELD stores, key retailers and online at KARL.com