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Karl Lagerfeld Partners with G.H. Bass on Penny Loafers
Developing
In Short: The penny loafer, a classic preppy shoe, now includes a silver coin embedded in the shoe, bearing the Karl Lagerfeld logo instead of the traditional copper penny.
Karl Lagerfeld, the fashion house known for its distinctive style, has teamed up with G.H. Bass to introduce a new line of penny loafers.
The collaboration, announced by WWD, features slip-on shoes in black, black-and-white, and black tone-on-tone Karl Lagerfeld Icon motifs.
The penny loafer, a classic preppy shoe, now includes a silver coin embedded in the shoe, bearing the Karl Lagerfeld logo instead of the traditional copper penny.
According to Pier Paolo Righi, CEO of Karl Lagerfeld, 'Footwear has been an important part of our business for many years,' highlighting the brand's commitment to expanding its footwear offerings.
Design director Hun Kim noted the resurgence of preppy fashion trends, including polo shirts, rugby shirts, and loafers, which inspired the collaboration.
The Karl Lagerfeld x G.H. Bass collection is available in Karl Lagerfeld stores, select wholesale accounts, and both brands' online boutiques.
In addition to the classic penny loafer, the collection also includes a boat shoe interpretation with silver grommets.
What this adds
The coin in the penny loafer is actually silver in color, not copper, and also features the K/Autograph logo.
The late Karl Lagerfeld was known for his custom Massaro boots but it is unclear if he ever wore loafers.
This collaboration aims to build on Karl Lagerfeld's strengths and broaden its footwear category through a partnership with a brand that has authority in the loafer market.
Background
The penny loafer, a staple in preppy fashion, features a silver coin embedded in the shoe, bearing the Karl Lagerfeld logo.
What's still developing
- “For a lot of young people, it’s something brand new,” Kim said of the shoes.
- IN FOR A PENNY : It’s always been easy to imagine Karl Lagerfeld ‘s distinct profile — his jutting ponytail, high-collar shirt and prominent sunglasses — minted on a coin.
- Bass for its sister company Karl Lagerfeld, both controlled by New York-based G-III Apparel Group.
- “This collaboration gives us an opportunity to build on that strength and broaden the category through the loafer, working with a brand that has real authority in this space.” The late German designer was partial to custom, tight-fitting boots by the historic Parisian shoemaker Massaro, and it’s not clear if he ever wore loafers.