Karl Lagerfeld has created a vegan leather version of the iconic K/Kushion bag, using cactus as a cruelty-free alternative to animal skin.
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Fashion house Karl Lagerfeld has created a collection of vegan leather handbags made from cactus and organic cotton instead of animal skin.
The collection is a collaboration with 90s supermodel Amber Valetta, who was a friend and muse of the late designer, as well as a sustainability ambassador.
Karl Lagerfeld x Amber Valetta features a vegan version of the iconic K/Kushion bag, using cactus leather to replicate animal skin.
K/Kushion was inspired by the childhood cushion the German designer used to carry around with him on his travels and is internationally recognised by fashionistas as a Lagerfeld design.
Speaking to British Vogue, Amber explained: “It made sense not to reinvent the wheel, but to do something iconic within the brand.”
If you are unfamiliar with the design, the K/Kushion bag features a pleated pattern and folded silhouette, with a chain handle. The vegan version is a gorgeous deep green colour and is complemented by a wallet, cardholder, face mask, wash bag and reusable water bottle.
Perhaps the most exciting part of the collaboration is that the profits will go to The Ocean Cleanup, which is supported by the Fashion Pact which Karl Lagerfeld signed in 2019 before his death.
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Vegan cactus leather by Desserto
The vegan K/Kushion uses cactus leather created by Mexican fashion tech company Desserto, who recently partnered with high-street brand H&M to create a sustainable fashion collection.
Desserto is a sustainable and cruelty-free alternative to traditional cowhide, made by drying mature leaves from the plant and converting them into pliable leather.
Back in December, the startup created a collection of sneakers with shoemaker Clae entitled ‘Bradley Cactus’, demonstrating the versatility of cactus leather in the fashion industry.
With countless new collections emerging across the globe using cruelty-free alternatives to leather, fur and exotic skins, it seems that the use of animals in the fashion industry is finally on the way out.
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