While still little known abroad, Reed Krakoff is the incarnation of the American dream. The road has been an easy one for this 48 year old New Yorker, who’s been able to effortlessly secure himself a choice position in the ultra-select world of American fashion. No single adjective seems strong enough to describe the meteoric rise of this super “in” designer.
Already counting Julianne Moore, Rachel Zoé, Katie Holmes, and even Anna Wintour and Michelle Obama amongst his legion of followers, he’s now setting out to conquer the transAtlantic fashion world by teaming up with some big name designers in France: Sarah Lerfel for Colette, Maria Luisa for Printemps, and even Valérie Hermann, ex-president of Yves Saint Laurent.
Neutral or neon-colored minimalism, purified shapes, elegance, and sophistication are the keywords for Krakoffian style, which he himself defines as being “confident luxury”. Several of his designs are already must haves: his wrap skirt, python ankle boots, baseball jersey-inspired sweater, and bird dress are already members of the fashion Hall of Fame.
Released for his eponymous brand in 2010, Krakoff’s Boxer bag is the incarnation of absolute luxury. A sort of fashion UFO made of “juxtapositions of palette, texture, and detail”, the fancifully hybrid boxer bag is a satchel, a handbag, and a travel bag all at the same time. The bag’s name is a visual reference to the fists of a boxer, brutally wrapped up in tape before a match. The central belt attached to one of the straps acts as a manifestation of the ensuing showdown. The resulting visual and aesthetic shock coupled with his occasionally paradoxical combinations highlight Krakoff’s obsession for materials and attention to detail.
“It’s all about design”, says Krakoff. The “RK” label is luxurious but not tacky, architectural but not formalist. A dreamy object, an object to be possessed, an object of desire… The boxer bag won’t just tug on your heartstrings, it’ll KO them.
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