The highly-anticipated Karl by Karl Lagerfeld collection is set to launch globally via five pop-up stores tomorrow, including one in Sydney but, as ragtrader.com.au reveals, not all has gone to plan.
Online luxury e-tailer Net-a-Porter is managing the venture, which will allow customers to purchase products and win prizes on the platform by using an iPhone or iPad2 app to scan installations featured in five shop fronts across the globe.
Australian media agencies have reported the local campaign will be staged at 178 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach, which is currently home to the womenswear division of iconic boutique Tuchuzy.
However, Tuchuzy womenswear buyer Angela Bizoglou told ragtrader.com.au the boutique will not be involved in the collection's launch.
"It's not going to be happening at our store. We would have loved to collaborate with Net-a-Porter. Unfortunately it was simply a matter of timing. Our windows were pre-planned before they contacted us."
Bizoglou said the pop-up window display for the Karl collection will now move to a vacant space opposite the store, next to Bondi eatery Miss Chu.
Garments from the 70-piece range, which is designed to be more accessible to consumers, will start at an entry price of $30 for a tote, with product to be sold exclusively via online shopping platform Net-a-Porter for the next four weeks.
The first 50 customers to each store will also receive a pair of Karl Lagerfeld fingerless gloves or a silver collar from the range as well as a limited edition Karl goodie bag and t-shirt.
Designer fashion distributor Nick Mascitelli Imports (NMI) will take over as exclusive agents for the range in Australia and New Zealand moving forward.
NMI communications director Carla Robinson said sales had already commenced for winter 2012/13.
"NMI will [also] continue to distribute the Lagerfeld men's line throughout Australia and New Zealand."