Emma Roberts and Solange Knowles Showcase Reed Krakoff x Kohl’s: A Look Back at the Shoes and Handbags

When designer Reed Krakoff brought his structured, architectural aesthetic to Kohl’s on April 20, 2016, it marked a significant moment in the “high-low” fashion era.

At a launch dinner held at the Kohl’s PR Showroom in New York City, guests like Chanel Iman, Emma Roberts, and Solange Knowles showcased how the accessible REED collection translated luxury runway DNA into everyday wear.

The event highlighted a shift in the brand’s trajectory, moving the signature belted satchels and color-blocked silhouettes from high-end boutiques to a wider audience. Below, we look back at the footwear and accessories that defined the evening, offering a snapshot of a collaboration that merged mid-2010s trends with Krakoff’s minimalist roots.

Minimalist Edge: Chanel Iman in Black Strappy Sandals & Reed Color-Block Jumpsuit

Chanel Iman exuded effortless sophistication at the Reed x Kohl’s Collection launch dinner in New York City on April 20, 2016, wearing a chic black jumpsuit with sheer neckline detailing, paired with strappy black sandals and a crisp black-and-white Reed tote (Credit: WENN / Andres Otero)

Chanel Iman looked lovely in a black and tan color-block Reed jumpsuit

Chanel Iman toted an optic white medium belted convertible satchel

REED RK40 Medium Belted Convertible Satchel in Optic White, $109

Playful Precision: Emma Roberts in Tabitha Simmons “Viva” Sandals & Geometric Reed Dress

Emma Roberts turned heads in a bold black-and-blue Reed Meredyth geometric scuba sheath dress layered with a leather moto jacket, finishing her look with sleek black ankle-strap sandals that showed off her legs

The movie actress showed off her feet in black strappy sandals by Tabitha Simmons, the British-born designer and fashion multi-hyphenate celebrated for her feminine, playful, and elegant aesthetic across styling, creative direction, and footwear design.

Emma Roberts wears a thin braid in her hair at the REED x Kohl’s Collection Launch Dinner held on April 20, 2016, at Kohl’s PR Showroom in New York City (Credit: WENN)

Emma Roberts shows off her legs in an item from the new REED x Kohl’s Collection (Credit: Andres Otero / Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

Emma added a black leather Sandro jacket to her look and kept the rest of her accessories to a minimum. She sported Jennifer Meyer earrings, a Phillips House bracelet, and a Reed for Kohl’s pouch that matched her dress.

The “Scream Queens” star was spotted confidently posing alongside the fashion designer himself, Reed Krakoff.

Emma Roberts and designer Reed Krakoff pose for photos at the REED x Kohl’s Collection Launch Dinner (Credit: WENN)

The sleeveless dress showcased her slender figure with a classic form-fitting sheath silhouette, scuba construction, geometric stitching, and a thigh-grazing hemline.

Emma Roberts wears a REED x Kohl’s dress with black suede heels (Credit: WENN)

Emma sported blue under-eye eyeliner and black mascara, staying true to the color-block theme of her look. She completed her look with tousled waves and a narrow braid on one side.

Emma’s suede Tabitha Simmons “Viva” sandals feature a lace-up back, double adjustable ankle straps, open toes, and four-inch heels.

Emma Roberts elevates her look in black suede Tabitha Simmons “Viva” sandals, featuring slim stiletto heels, double ankle straps, and lace-up back detailing (Credit: WENN)

A front view highlights the open-toe silhouette and delicate straps of Emma Roberts’s Tabitha Simmons heels, finished with a classic red pedicure (Credit: WENN)

Emma congratulated the American fashion designer Reed Krakoff on the collection after the event, writing on Twitter, “Congrats Reed Krakoff on his fabulous collaboration with @kohls #MustReedxKohls.”

Close-up of Emma Roberts carrying a sleek black clutch with a contrasting light blue accent pocket, perfectly complementing her bold black-and-blue Reed Meredyth sheath dress

REED Atlantique Large Pouch in Black Blue, $29

Sculptural Statement: Solange Knowles in Architectural Sandals & Asymmetrical Reed Dress

Solange rocked a sleeveless, color-blocked, asymmetrical Reed dress paired with modern, architectural sandals.

Solange Knowles stunned in an asymmetrical Reed color-block dress styled with a sequined black-and-white satchel and modern architectural block-heel sandals, perfectly balancing bold design with sleek elegance

Solange Knowles at the Reed and Kohl’s collection launch in New York on April 20, 2016

Which of these handbags is your favorite?

Solange Knowles totes a belted convertible mini satchel

Many handbag lovers were left stunned when Reed Krakoff shut down his namesake label in 2015. Known for its sleek, structured designs and modern elegance, the brand had quickly earned a cult following.

As of 2026, Reed Krakoff pieces are only available through resale platforms, and the original website, reedkrakoff.com, appears to have been taken over by unrelated—and potentially scam—content (we’re not linking to it).

Standing beside Reed Krakoff at the launch event, Chanel Iman (5’9” / 175.3 cm, US shoe size 8) and Emma Roberts (5’1½” / 156.2 cm, US shoe size 6) highlighted just how tall the designer appeared—especially making petite Emma look even tinier by comparison.

Reed Krakoff poses with Emma Roberts and Chanel Iman at the Reed x Kohl’s Collection launch, where the striking height contrast between the two actresses and the designer was especially noticeable (Credit: Marcus Owen / Startraksphoto)

Launched in 2010, the luxury brand quickly earned a reputation for its sleek, structured handbags and sophisticated accessories. Despite its initial buzz, the brand struggled to gain long-term traction and ultimately halted production due to financial challenges and limited market growth.

For a brief moment, it looked like a stylish comeback was on the horizon. Partnering with Kohl’s, Krakoff introduced a more accessible line called REED, designed to bring his signature aesthetic to a broader audience.

Reed Krakoff left Coach in June 2014 to focus on developing his eponymous fashion label. As the president and executive creative director of Coach, he transformed the company from a family firm to a global player.

While the collaboration generated excitement, a full brand revival never quite took off. In the years since, Krakoff has shifted his focus to new creative pursuits, most notably serving as creative chairman at jewelry brand John Hardy in 2022.

Reed Krakoff’s Signature Appeal: Celebrity Handbags, Footwear, and Red Carpet Moments

Reed Krakoff’s designs have captivated numerous celebrities, blending modern aesthetics with timeless elegance. Here are some standout moments featuring Reed Krakoff:

Stepping out for a night of live music, Dianna Agron let one standout accessory do all the talking—anchoring her understated outfit with a bold hit of color.

On May 30, 2012, Dianna Agron stepped out with director Henry Joost for Jack White’s concert at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles, pairing black ankle boots with a flirty skirt and a crisp white Current/Elliott snap jacket, while her bright yellow Reed Krakoff Standard Mini shoulder bag added a bold pop of color against the monochrome base (Credit: RHS / WENN)

These celebrity moments highlight Reed Krakoff’s appeal among fashion-forward stars, offering designs that seamlessly blend bold statements with classic elegance.

REED RK40 Belted Convertible Mini Satchel in Black Tejus Snake, $79