KASSL x ZARA Democratic Style Fall 2021 Collab Lensed by Bibi Cornejo Borthwick

KASSL was launched in 2017 by four friends: Bart Ramakers, Ilse Cornelisses and her husband Tim van Geloven, owners of the Antwerp concept store Graanmarkt 13, and Charlotte Schreuder, now the CEO of KASSL. Graanmarkt 13 is a restaurant, high-end concept store and top-floor apartment with hotel services in Antwerp, Belgium.

Based in Amsterdam KASSL Editions only produces coats — and now bags — inspired by utility jackets and meticulously handmade to last from fabrics like oilcloth and rubber. All KASSLcoats come in both short and long lengths in neutral colors that never go out of fashion. Each coat carries a unique number and stamp of authenticity.

Co-founder Bart Ramakers, describes the KASSL philosophy as an intention to market a product that transcends gender, age and social background. Ramakersuses descriptive words of “refined yet unpolished, luxurious, qualitative, democratic and timeless” to describe the brand. The influence of a harsh German visual culture permeates the designs, produced by the same German manufacturer who produces “everything for the German police force and fire brigade.”

Recently, KASSL has launched a home and furniture collection of carefully-designed essentials inspired by the same design DNA of the original fisherman raincoats.

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In September, KASSL x ZARA was introduced with its focus on classic coats, sporty separates and accessories and homewares. Top models Malgosia Bela and Selena Forrest showcase the collection, styled by Gijsje Ribbens, who also serves as art director on the production. Photographer Bibi Cornejo Borthwick captures the campaign for Zara. / Hair by Yann Turchi; Helene Vasnier