From Parisian Catwalks to Sustainable Innovation
by Diane PERNET
L. Kuster, Founder and CEO of KUSTT, stands as a compelling figure in the evolving landscape of luxury fashion. With a career spanning decades at the creative helm of some of the world’s most prestigious brands – including Louis Vuitton (on Marc Jacobs’ design team), Jimmy Choo, Agnona, Tamara Mellon, Schiaparelli, and Karl Lagerfeld – Kuster’s journey is a testament to both artistic mastery and a restless drive for reinvention. Kuster’s philosophy is encapsulated in her concept of the “Art of Newcycling.” Rather than manufacturing new goods, KUSTT is dedicated to unearthing and transforming vintage luxury pieces into one-of-a-kind creations. This approach is not merely about upcycling; it is a deliberate act of honoring the stories embedded in pre-existing materials, blending the allure of the past with a forward-looking vision. Each handbag is a unique artifact, meticulously crafted to ensure that no new resources are consumed or wasted – a radical stance in an industry often criticized for excess and disposability.
Operating between Marseille and Marrakech, Kuster synthesizes contemporary design methods with traditional craftsmanship. The result is a collection that is both innovative and deeply respectful of heritage. Every item is procured conscientiously, guaranteeing that the process is as sustainable as it is creative. Kuster’s work is a quiet rebellion against the relentless churn of fast fashion, offering instead a model where sustainability and luxury are
not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing.
Kuster’s pedigree in luxury design is unquestionable, but her true legacy may well be her commitment to responsible creation. By rejuvenating existing materials and eschewing the manufacture of new goods, KUSTT challenges the industry to reconsider its relationship with resources, waste, and value. In Kuster’s hands, luxury becomes not just a matter of aesthetics or status, but of conscience and innovation.
L. Kuster’s KUSTT is more than a brand; it is a manifesto for a new kind of luxury—one that is as attentive to the past as it is ambitious for the future. In a world hungry for authenticity and sustainability, Kuster’s vision offers a blueprint for how the industry can evolve without losing its soul.
