Interview: Cara Delevingne on her tribute collaboration with KARL LAGERFELD
"When Karl passed away, KARL LAGERFELD asked me to help design a tribute limited-edition shirt...this was two years ago, and all proceeds went to Sauver la Vie."
With the special bond and relationship between the late Karl Lagerfeld and Cara Delevingne, the KARL LAGERFELD fashion brand taps on the multi-hyphenate for a collaboration, entitled “CARA LOVES KARL" collection.
Inspired by the mutual love and admiration between the two creatives, the collection revolves around gender-neutral styles, inclusivity and sustainable materials.
Delevingne shares with us about the collection, her creative input, and chemistry with the visionary, genius and dear friend.
How did the collaboration with KARL LAGERFELD come about?
When Karl passed away, KARL LAGERFELD asked me to help design a tribute limited-edition shirt...this was two years ago, and all proceeds went to “Sauver la Vie”, a charity that funds medical research at the Paris Descartes University, which Karl supported for many years.
After that, we wanted to find another way to work together so this collaboration came about naturally. The collaboration focuses on genderless styles.
How do you like to dress?
I personally dress in a way that allows me to play with gender. So when I was thinking about a new collection that was also true to my personal style, I knew it needed to be genderless.
Do you think unisex dressing is the future of fashion?
I think clothes should have the ability to be worn by everyone.
What do you like most about the KARL LAGERFELD brand?
At KARL LAGERFELD, they are always innovating and pushing the bar of fashion. They do things that make a difference—which I absolutely adore, and fit in perfectly with who I am and what I believe in.
What have you learned from working with Design Director Hun Kim and Team Karl?
I have learned that no goal is out of reach—to always strive for greatness.
What is your favourite piece of the collection and why?
I love the reversible bomber jacket. The blue faux fur is so cosy; it feels like a cloud!
What surprised you about the creative process?
The amount of editing involved was totally unexpected. I just had such an abundance of ideas and narrowing them down was really the hardest part. I am fortunate Hun understood my vision, and was able to guide me through the process of editing the collection. The collection embodies inclusivity.
Who, in your opinion is the target audience group for this collection?
Everyone!!
Do you remember the first time you met Karl in person?
It was at my first Chanel show, and the first time I met him, I was immediately blown away by his kindness and generosity.
What did he teach you?
Karl really taught me about the importance of embracing your weirdness. He was uniquely himself and he didn’t care what anyone else thought. I try to live with that attitude every day.
What three things did you love the most about Karl?
His creativity, his intellect, and his love for the people he cared about.
What is your favourite memory of him?
One of my favourite things to do with Karl was to sit with him alone and hear stories about his past. His life was so fascinating. Getting to know him was my favorite memory.
And I will always deeply cherish each moment we had together. His personality was infectious, and I was always elated to be in his presence.
Swipe though the gallery below to see the full collection:
The “CARA LOVES KARL” collection is exclusively available at the KARL LAGERFELD flagship store in Pavilion KL and online at www.archiluxury.com.
