Embracing Circular Fashion: KZ_K Studio Reimagines Iconic Pieces with Ambercycle’s Innovation

Fashion

July 17, 2024

Kacey Perez

In the heart of New York City’s East Village, KZ_K Studio, an esteemed name in luxury slow fashion, unveiled a powerful collaboration with Ambercycle, a Los Angeles-based leader in circular materials innovation. This partnership marks a significant milestone for KZ_K Studio, known for its commitment to timeless, multifunctional designs.

The collaboration was revealed to a lucky crowd of artists, influencers and designers with The Knitting Factory as the backdrop for the live visual arts performance that introduced the reimagined Techno Jacket and the brand-new Techno Trench_1.0. These pieces are crafted from cycora®, Ambercycle’s groundbreaking regenerated polyester, produced from end-of-life textile waste. This innovative fabric, created through advanced molecular regeneration technology, promises the best quality with a fraction of the environmental footprint.

The Techno Jacket _ 15.0 and Techno Trench_ 1.0 not only highlights KZ_K Studio’s commitment to slow fashion but also celebrates fifteen years of pioneering design. Guests at the event experienced immersive experience with Japanese Sake cocktails, a musical performance by Miss Grit, and a captivating live performance by ballerina Lilit Hogtanian.

Jesse Keyes and Karolina Zmarlak
Jeffrey Ampratwum

Since its inception in 2009, KZ_K Studio has championed the ethos of multifunctionality and sustainability. Creative Director and Co-Founder Karolina Zmarlak reflects on the journey: “Our first collection featured the Techno Jacket, designed as a versatile piece to integrate seamlessly into a woman’s wardrobe. Fifteen years later, we’ve reimagined this design with Ambercycle’s regenerated molecules, staying true to our principle of creating lifetime-use pieces.”

The collaboration’s genesis dates back to November 2023, when KZ_K Studio Co-Founder Jesse Keyes embarked on a global quest for sustainable fabrics that met their high standards of luxury and durability. His journey led him to Ambercycle’s headquarters in Los Angeles, where he was impressed by their innovative approach. Keyes recalls, “Discovering Ambercycle’s method of molecular regeneration was a game-changer. It aligned perfectly with our vision of integrating environmentally responsible fabrics into our core designs.”

Shay Sethi, CEO of Ambercycle, reflects on the significance of this partnership: “For the luxury sector to embrace decarbonized materials, next-gen fabrics must match or surpass current standards. Our collaboration with KZ_K Studio proves that circular, regenerated fabrics can deliver exceptional quality and drive meaningful industry change.”

Devon Krayer

The Techno Jacket _ 15.0 will be available for purchase at $1,500 starting Fall 2024, exclusively at KZ_K Studio’s by-appointment showroom on Great Jones Street in NYC and their website. The collaboration will also see Ambercycle and KZ_K Studio working with longtime fabric manufacturing partner STYLEM by Takisada to develop cycora® materials for future collections.

As KZ_K Studio and Ambercycle unite, they pave the way for a future where luxury fashion and sustainability coexist, setting a new standard for the industry. For more information, visit KZ_K Studio and Ambercycle.