Amber Valletta x Karl Lagerfeld: A Collaboration Empowering African Artisans
Craftsmanship, creativity, and conscious luxury unite in a new limited-edition tote collection. In partnership with the Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI), Karl Lagerfeld and sustainability advocate Amber Valletta unveil a one-of-a-kind project that places people and planet at the centre of design.
A Bag That Tells a Story of Craftsmanship
The collaboration introduces 320 individually-numbered tote bags, each one thoughtfully handmade by artisans in Burkina Faso and Kenya. The project fuses traditional African craftsmanship with contemporary design, offering a piece that is as meaningful as it is beautiful.
“This tote is more than a bag — it celebrates creativity, community, and thoughtful design,” says Amber Valletta, who has long been a voice for sustainable fashion. “Collaborating on this project has been an energising experience, highlighting our interconnectedness and the beauty of honouring traditional heritage alongside contemporary aesthetics.”
Each tote is crafted from 100% rain-fed organic cotton, dyed with GOTS-certified, non-toxic dyes. The textile—known as Faso Danfani—is woven by the women of CABES GIE, an EFI social enterprise partner in Burkina Faso. The beadwork embellishments, made from recycled glass, are hand-sewn by Maasai artisans in Nairobi and assembled at the women-led collective Tujikuze.
Supporting Women. Empowering Communities
The initiative was developed alongside the Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI), a flagship programme of the International Trade Centre, a joint agency of the United Nations and World Trade Organization. EFI supports local economies, creates dignified employment, and enhances livelihoods—particularly for women in marginalised communities. Through this project, households gain income stability and increased access to education.
Each tote is crafted from 100% rain-fed organic cotton, dyed with GOTS-certified, non-toxic dyes. The textile—known as Faso Danfani—is woven by the women of CABES GIE, an EFI social enterprise partner in Burkina Faso. The beadwork embellishments, made from recycled glass, are hand-sewn by Maasai artisans in Nairobi and assembled at the women-led collective Tujikuze.
Design with Purpose
Creative Director Hun Kim, in collaboration with Amber Valletta, ensured that each bag reflects circular design principles: no plastic-based elements, minimal trims, and a design language that evokes timelessness and low-impact production. Every bag includes a handwritten signature by the Kenyan artisan and a custom patch featuring its unique edition number—a personal and ethical touch to every piece.
“We are honoured to work with EFI’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,” says Hun Kim.
Part of KARL CARES
This collaboration is a natural extension of KARL CARES, the Maison’s ongoing sustainability commitment across three core pillars: People, Planet, and Partners. The project embodies actionable change, showing how fashion can create beauty while supporting cultural preservation and environmental responsibility.
The limited-edition tote bag will be available for €249 starting April 2025, exclusively at select Karl Lagerfeld boutiques, premium retailers, and online.
