Karl Lagerfeld Launches Its New “Cara Loves Karl” Capsule Collection

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The brand’s most significant collaboration to date honors the mutual love and respect that Karl and Cara had for each other. Its launch will be amplified through one-of-a-kind events and fashion’s first-ever 3D campaign with interacting avatars.

KARL LAGERFELD introduces the CARA LOVES KARL capsule collection, designed in collaboration with actress, model and activist Cara Delevingne. Launching worldwide on September 8, 2022, the gender-neutral collection celebrates the mutual philosophies and passions that Karl and Cara embodied in their close friendship: it’s creative, outspoken, thoughtful, and authentic. Featuring ready-to-wear and accessories, all styles are crafted from more sustainable and premium materials, with inclusive sizes ranging from XXS to XXL.

The launch of CARA LOVES KARL includes a global rollout of one-of-a-kind activations that reinforce its significance as the brand’s largest collaboration to date and inspire the KARL community. An immersive 3D campaign features Cara and Karl interacting as avatars in a digital playground — it’s a first for the fashion industry and solidifies KARL LAGERFELD’s position as a digital innovator. The avatars debut on the brand’s social channels, and the full-length campaign premieres on September 8. To further accentuate its impact, it will illuminate a larger-than-life 3D screen in New York’s Times Square from September 12 to 18, once every hour, for an unparalleled viewing experience.

Additionally, 15 dedicated CARA LOVES KARL shops will pop up worldwide, including locations in Milan (via Alessandro Manzoni), Los Angeles (The Grove) and New York (Wooster Street). In Paris, the capsule will take over the iconic atrium of Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées, with an engaging digital display. Cara will also co-host exclusive events at SAGA in New York on September 12, and at the Maison KARL LAGERFELD in Paris on September 27. Further details of the exceptional rollout and program of events will be revealed in the coming weeks.

“I am so proud of the collection I have created along with the incredibly talented team at KARL LAGERFELD,” says Cara Delevingne. “Karl was, and still is, an extremely important influence in my life and I'm honored to have created this collection under his name. I believe that Karl would have been very proud of the sustainable, genderless direction we went with, and I like to imagine he even would have worn some of the pieces himself. I can’t wait to see how people wear all the different pieces we created.”

“It is unique to see the love that Karl and Cara had for each other and the trusting bond that they kindled,” says Pier Paolo Righi, CEO of KARL LAGERFELD. “This is our most significant brand collaboration to date, and it embraces the values that Karl and Cara shared together — especially the courage to be your true self. It’s meaningful to us that it reflects the values at the heart of our brand, with a focus on sustainability, creative storytelling and self-expression.”

The collection’s signature looks are transformable pieces that offer a range of styling options in just one garment, for limitless self-expression. This approach also translates into a minimized impact on consumption and the planet.

“Karl always said everyone should wear what they want and mix in their own way, and the CARA LOVES KARL collection shows that clothing doesn’t need to have a gender assigned to it,” says Hun Kim, Design Director of KARL LAGERFELD. “Our design process with Cara was extremely collaborative, and it was inspiring to hear her share her stories, ideas and anecdotes. We share a singular vision: clothes should build confidence, respect the planet, and look great — no matter who you are.”

Across the designs, timeless tailoring plays a key role as seen in suits, shirting, gilets and tuxedo blazers. Transformability is fundamental, as outerwear and iconic white shirts are reimagined as two-in-one pieces that can adapt with removable details, add-on accessories or reversible functionality. Denim separates can be seamlessly combined with casual jersey, logo-printed tees or premium oversized sweats crafted from organic and recycled materials. All gender-neutral accessories — including a bumbag, satchel, beanies and belts — are crafted from environmentally conscious materials like recycled nylon and organic cotton.

The collection is available from September 8, 2022, at KARL LAGERFELD stores, on KARL.COM, and via select premium wholesale partners worldwide.

KARL LAGERFELD COMPANY PROFILE

The House of KARL LAGERFELD shares the iconic vision and design aesthetic of its founder, Karl Lagerfeld, fused with a contemporary, forward-looking spirit. The brand celebrates his colossal legacy and breathes his passion, intuition and inexhaustible creativity into the core of its DNA.

Featuring Parisian-inspired classics with a rock-chic attitude, the KARL LAGERFELD portfolio includes ready-to-wear for women, men and kids, plus bags, small leather goods, footwear, fragrances, eyewear and more. The Maison’s creative vision is led by Design Director Hun Kim; additional members of the KARL family include Brand Ambassador and Product Consultant Sebastien Jondeau, and Sustainability Ambassador Amber Valletta, amongst others.

KARL LAGERFELD connects with consumers at more than 120 stores worldwide, with key locations in Paris, London, Munich, Dubai and Shanghai. The brand also has a premium wholesale network and robust digital presence in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, while the KARL.COM flagship store reaches 96 countries.

In 2019, KARL LAGERFELD joined the Fashion Pact, a global sustainability initiative seeking to transform the fashion industry through objectives in three areas: climate, biodiversity and ocean protection.