Kenneth Ize and Karl Lagerfeld Launch First Collection

Kenneth Ize and Karl Lagerfeld Launch First Collection

Kenneth Ize, a Nigerian fashion designer with a captivating sense of style and Karl Lagerfeld, are launching their first collection today, the 7th of July 2021. This is Karl Lagerfeld’s first collaboration with an African fashion designer. The design is “a conversation of culture infused with inimitable fashion.” 

Curated by Carine Roitfeld and designed by Hun Kim for the Spring/Summer 2021 season, the range is a combination of Nigerian and European styles with bold prints accompanying clean silhouettes.

Arriving in gender-neutral styles, the collection, which uses ethically sourced fabrics from Nigeria is led by black and white checkerboard patterns on trousers, shirts and skirts, while multicoloured stripes are used on a series of knit garments. The lineup further introduces suits with contrasting colour themes as well as simple tees adorned with Kenneth Ize and KARL LAGERFELD’s logos.

On this new development, Kenneth says he is able to play with the brand’s existing style codes and expand his approach to design.

Priced from €99 to €695 (approximately $117 to $823), the Kenneth Ize x KARL LAGERFELD range will be available online and at KARL LAGERFELD’s Paris Saint Germain and London Regent street stores from July 7.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria; Kenneth spent his formative years in Austria. He studied Fashion Design at the University of Applied Arts, Vienna and upon graduation in 2013, he launched his namesake label at Lagos Fashion Week.

With the Kenneth Ize brand, the designer is reinterpreting traditional West African fabrics and Nigerian craft. His collections include ready to wear male and female outfits available in Nigeria, Austria, Canada and Japan.

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According to Kenneth, his choice of fabric is to celebrate the uniqueness of his culture and people to the world.

“I want my brand to help my community, to build them up and serve as a platform to show them to the world.”

While working from his studio in Lagos, Kenneth collaborated with artists and design groups across various Nigerian states. He also influences the creative arts curriculum in Nigerian schools to create traditional fashion.

Kenneth was a finalist for the LVMH Prize 2019 and a joint winner of the Arise Fashion Week Award for “Designer of the Year”.

Peep his collection on www.kennethize.net