KZ_K Studio and 1 Atelier fashion sustainability with new handbag collaboration

“Nothing good comes without a lot of details coming to life over time,” says Zmarlak of this year-long collaboration. KZ K Studio is a sleek, modernist women’s ready-to-wear line. Zmarlak has long wanted to dabble in accessories, but needed the right partner with expertise in handbags. She wanted to work with someone in NYC’s Garment District, but finding craftspeople in NYC is difficult nowadays. Luckily, she found 1 Atelier, a perfect match. “Working on something like this with a professional atelier was a dream come true,” Zmarlak said.

Sarka founded 1 Atelier seven years ago with the mission of “reinventing the fashion industry and reviving luxury.” Sarka wanted to improve the fashion industry’s business model by eliminating wholesale and embracing sustainability. Sarka’s “incredible matchmaker” consultant colleague introduced the two female entrepreneurs. Aiming for two things, Sarka said. “One is a new approach; by bringing in collaborators like Karolina, we bring in something unique that we couldn’t have designed ourselves. And you need to speak to many different people. Second, we look for cross-market ability to speak to multiple audiences. In support of another female-founded fashion company in the Garment District, we love Karolina.”

Customers expressing a desire for the “perfect handbag” inspired Zmarlak to create this line of handbags. Customers desired multi-purpose handbags without a brand name or logo. They wanted something simple in soft leather. The collaboration focused on Nappa leather and ultra-soft suede. They also made three compartments for handbags, which was a popular request. The customer can choose the leather or suede type and color. It comes in two shapes. A sling style with one strap and a shopper tote style with two straps. The collection includes two zip clutches and four items in total.

Like all KZ K and 1 Atelier products, the bags are designed and made in New York’s Garment District. From leathers to trims, stitching, and hardware, the bag was designed and produced fairly. Each piece is made-to-order, reducing waste. 1 Atelier is one of the few remaining luxury leather goods factories in Manhattan’s Garment District. Both 1 Atelier and KZ K Studio emphasize the bag’s customizability. 1 Atelier’s website now has a 3D model of the bag that customers can view digitally.

Zmarlak and Sarka consider their work a labor of love. Collaborating is difficult, Sarka says. “So many things can go wrong, and so many things must go right. We’ve worked hard for this relationship, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved. There were times when either of us could have given up, but our dedication to our work on all fronts has carried us this far.”