Denim for days

The new KARL LAGERFELD JEANS x Atelier Reservé collection spotlights Lagerfeld’s love of denim and visionary creativity with Atelier Reservé’s forward-thinking approach to reinventing materials. And the result? A truly refreshing collection that is unapologetically centered on self-expression. Let’s dive into it.

It all started when KARL LAGERFELD JEANS’ Creative Director Hun Kim stumbled upon an Atelier Reservé piece hanging in their Amsterdam studio. “It was more than just fashion—it was a work of art, handcrafted with such creativity and uniqueness that I was completely captivated," says Kim. That chance encounter sparked a long-overdue collaboration between the two brands. From there, the project was born: an intersection of Lagerfeld’s timeless aesthetic with the bold craftiness of Atelier Reservé, founded by Alljan Moehamad and Deyrinio Fraenk. Kim made it clear that this wasn’t about “Karlifying” anything, but rather, letting the Amsterdam-based duo’s creativity shine bright.

Kim further explains that the collection is all about “making it your own.” Inspired by a deep dive into the word “make,” the collaboration with Atelier Reservé was the perfect match — especially considering their DIY, polished but unpolished design approach. The fruits of this project come about through pieces that play with denim and utility — think oversized patchwork cargo pants, adjustable fits, and an ultimate remix of the classic denim bustier.

Jeans, jeans, jeans

Atelier Reservé’s design DNA lies in “dissecting and reimagining.” In fact, this project began by tearing apart spare KARL LAGERFELD JEANS pieces to create prototypes that pushed the boundaries in terms of design but remained accessible as a whole. Atelier Reservé is well-known for working with unused materials. Design Director Deyrinio Fraenk explains that working with these types of fabrics demands more creativity, and here is where the concept of limitation comes in. Limitation becomes a strength, a method for achieving unique, handcrafted pieces that feel even more special.

Denim on denim

“ Fabric itself has no gender. ”

- KARL LAGERFELD JEANS, Creative Director Hun Kim

Gender-neutrality plays a central role too. Both brands reject the idea that clothing should conform to rigid categories. For Kim, “fabric itself has no gender.” Atelier Reservé mirrors this ethos, designing for an attitude, not a gender. The result is a collection that feels as fluid and inclusive as the modern world demands, with adjustable detailing and versatile cuts that speak to anyone and everyone — a standout piece is the cargo pant with a silhouette designed to suit a range of body types and styles. It’s actually Fraenk’s favourite because it throws the rulebook to the ground entirely. As for craftsmanship, it’s at the heart of every design. Kim speaks to the care and attention that went into the prototyping process, with each garment carefully paneled and layered with mixed materials.

Couture, craft, Karl!

But how does this collection fit into the legacy of Karl Lagerfeld himself? For Kim, the answer lies in the icon’s openness to new ideas and his love of denim, both classic and reinterpreted. “I have no doubt that if he were to see Atelier Reservé’s work, he’d be thrilled,” says Kim. The spirit of the late designer lives on through this collaboration, as both brands push the boundaries of fashion and keep their shared vision for innovation at the forefront.

At the end of the day, this collection is about self-expression, inclusivity, and breaking down the barriers of tradition — exactly what Lagerfeld was known for, and with Atelier Reservé on board, the future of denim looks brighter and bolder than ever.