With their fourth collaborative collection, luxury label Karl Lagerfeld and model, climate activist, and Sustainability Ambassador for Lagerfeld, Amber Valletta, showcase vegan Mirum leather.
The new bags from the Karl Lagerfeld x Amber Valletta collection are emblazoned with “Karl” in an homage to the late designer who passed away in 2019. They also pay tribute to Valletta’s continual efforts to shift the fashion industry toward more sustainable practices. The bags embrace an alternative to conventional leather, the plastic-free Mirum material made by Illinois-based Natural Fiber Welding.
Mirum is made from a combination of upcycled agricultural waste and virgin natural materials. It’s uniquely free from plastic, fossil fuels, and water. Mirum has earned praise from designer Stella McCartney, whose SOS Fund invested in Natural Fiber Welding.
“Setting a new standard for style without compromising on quality, Mirum has game-changing potential for the entire fashion industry,” reads the Karl Lagerfeld website. “As beautiful as it is long-lasting, the plant-based fabric is made from a mix of rubber, plant-based oil, natural pigments and minerals, and it can be endlessly recycled into new Mirum. The material gives each bag a unique look that’s luxurious, tactile and soft to touch.” Previous Karl x Amber Valletta collections featured sustainable leather made from Desserto’s cactus-based material.
The new limited-edition collection features totes and crossbody bags in three colorways: Saddle Brown, Moss, and Black. According to the label, the Mirum leather used for the bags is made from 54 percent responsibly harvested natural rubber and 30 percent plant-based oils and waxes, “to create an elevated accessory that combines luxury with high-performance.”
As part of its Karl Cares initiative, the label, once known for its excessive use of animal fur, says building a more sustainable future is an “ongoing journey” across all areas of its business. “Defined by actionable objectives, the strategy exemplifies how the brand approaches and tracks its corporate social responsibility across three core pillars: the People it works with, the Planet it takes resources from, and the Partners it collaborates with.”
The collection also features the Blok sunglasses in two colorways, blue and white, made from 100 percent recycled plastic. The frames feature broad temples with a 3D KL Monogram logo design combined with a hyper-modern, geometrical frame, adjustable nose pads and temples.
Shop the new collection here.
Related on Ethos:
All products featured on Ethos have been independently selected by our editorial team.
When you buy something through our links, Ethos may earn an affiliate commission.
