Karl Lagerfeld Karl Tote Bag

Someone’s really loving himself just a bit too much. It’s so narcissistic, isn’t it? It may be an homage, but I really think the designer has ran out of ideas.

Consider the newly launched Karl Lagerfeld line of handbags and luggage an homage to the master himself. There are silver cravat-esque zippers dangling from shoulder bags, clearly perceptible Ks woven into leather clutches, even tote handles cut out in the shape of the designer’s sunglasses. Designed and manufactured in collaboration with the Accessory Network Group, the holiday/resort collection features a mostly black, white and beige palette with occasional pops of color (hazard-cone orange, midnight blue). The company has high hopes for its retail appeal, too. This week, buyers from Lane Crawford, Holt Renfrew and Bergdorf Goodman are slated to preview the pieces, which will make their debut in stores in October. “We wanted to create details that are very identifiable with the designer,” said Abe Chehebar, chairman and chief executive officer of ANG. “Karl has seen [the collection], and loves it.” Wholesale prices range from $250 for a handwoven nappa leather clutch to $1,510 for a shearling carryall with metal and leather cable handles. “We’re very selective about the brands we take on,” added Chehebar, who in March signed a three-year licensing deal to produce handbags and leather goods with Vera Wang’s Lavender Label as part of the company’s Prestige Brands Division. “There’s so much potential with the Lagerfeld line because Karl himself is endlessly inspiring.”

Via WWD