Express and Karlie Kloss launch limited-edition collection with fan-sourced runway show

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Apr 1, 2017

Express and Karlie Kloss have expanded their partnership beyond ambassadorship and consulting to now designing. The retailer debuted and launched on Thursday an exclusive, limited edition collection designed by Kloss and the Express design team.
 
The Karlie Kloss x Express Collection consists of 17 styles such as maxi dresses, embellished bombers, blazers and t-shirts inspired by Kloss’ style and optimism.

"This collection is made for everyday women—the strong, dynamic, on-the-go achievers among us," said Karlie Kloss. "It was amazing to have Express so closely aligned in this vision to design a collection that has a fashionable staple for any occasion.”

The collection debuted at a fan-sourced runway show in Kloss’ hometown of St. Louis, Missouri that included a live DJ set by Hannah Bronfman and a special musical performance by Charli XCX.

Express selected 10 fans to walk the Karlie Kloss Collection runway show out of hundreds of participants that posted videos of themselves on Instagram with the hashtag #KARLIECONTEST. Among the winners were Emily Watson, a student and hospital volunteer from Edwardsville, Julia Cain, a fashion blogger and cancer survivor from St. Louis and Karlie’s sister Kimberly. Express also live streamed the event on its Facebook page.
 
The retailer first tapped the 24-year old model as the face of the ‘Fit for You’ denim collection in 2015. Kloss later joined the company as a brand ambassador and creative consultant, which coincided with the launch of the #ExpressLife campaign and “Like a Kloss” graphic t-shirt.
 
In addition to working with Express, the 6’2 model is the face of Swarovski, fronted campaigns for Versace, DVF, and L’Oréal among others, and partnered with Frame Denim on a collection of jeans, Warby Parker for eyewear and Momofuku Milk Bar on cookies. Kloss also founded Kode with Klossy, a company designed to help women and girls to learn computer code.
 
"Karlie Kloss' style reflects a life lived without limits. As a model, student, entrepreneur and philanthropist, she's always in demand, has to be ready for anything, and is making a real difference," said David Kornberg, Express president and CEO. "This exclusive capsule collection, built by Karlie and the Express design team, offers stylish wardrobe essentials every woman needs."
 
The Karlie Kloss x Express Collection is available now on the Express website and in stores. Prices range from $24.90 to $168.00.