Karen K Boutique unveils S/S 2014 collection

Karen K – a former super model turned designer – has unveiled her range of luxury women’s shoes and accessories for her Karen K Boutique spring/summer 2014 collection. Showcasing a series of diverse shoes, the Lebanese designer held her second runway show at the Karen K Boutique in London’s Brunswick Studios.

The showcase – which is inspired by her Lebanese heritage – signifies the war-torn plight of Karen’s home country. After visiting Beirut when the city was on lockdown, she saw masks being given out on street corners for protection and struggled to get a flight out of the city. This visit prompted the shoe designer to explore this journey through her runway show. While the show was primarily upbeat, the last look saw a change in dynamic, with a dramatic contrast to her former looks. The aim of the change was to reflect to the audience that although there is beauty in the world, not everybody gets to see it often due to everyday hardships and struggles in war-torn regions.

While the backstory may be emotive, the collection itself is playful and inspired by something a world away from her backstory. After a trip snorkeling in the Maldives, Karen felt inspired by the vibrant hues and deep-sea delights of underwater life. Using fabrics including leathers, patents and even lizard trims, the collection itself is luxurious, with a shoe for every type of woman. A lady looking for timeless elegance may be impressed by the demure Lady Penelope shoe, while her playful side may be tempted by the bows and studs of the Lady Kimmie shoe. Block colours and two-tone shoes impressed, while her signature design statement was also in full-force.

Karen El-Khazen says: “Each piece stays true to the Karen K signature style with a Swarovski crystal encased at the bottom of the shoe and a laser enforced steel spine guaranteeing support and comfort. The S/S 14 collection offers a diverse and varied mix of styles all with on-trend colours and designs which are not to be missed.”

Isabella Stockwell
Photos: Andrei Grosu

For further information about the collection visit here.