Where Luxury Meets Rebellion
Redefining the meaning of fashion through art, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
The Artist from the South of France
Born Phillipe Carteau in Toulon, France, Philip Karto grew up amidst the Mediterranean light and creative spirit of Bandol. Deeply fascinated by American pop culture and rock’n’roll, he developed a passion for bold self-expression that would later redefine his approach to luxury design. After moving to Miami in 2013, Karto launched his namesake label in 2017, transforming pre-owned luxury bags from houses like Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Goyard into hand-painted, upcycled works of art crafted with a sustainability-first mindset. Each piece blends recycled materials, pop-art inspiration, and individuality, earning recognition from celebrities such as Miley Cyrus, Bella Hadid, and Mike Tyson, who helped bring his message of responsible luxury to a global audience. Before founding his brand, Karto created the rock’n’roll-inspired jewelry label CAPTION and collaborated with renowned fashion houses — experiences that shaped his artistic vision and entrepreneurial drive. In 2022, he opened his first boutique in Saint-Tropez, continuing to expand his creative universe through bespoke commissions at his Studio Lab. His mission remains clear: to give iconic materials a second life and prove that circular design and individuality belong at the heart of modern luxury, a vision celebrated by Forbes for its innovation and integrity.
From Jewelry to Fashion Rebel
A Journey Through Creation
Before launching his eponymous brand, Karto designed jewelry and collaborated with icons like Karl Lagerfeld, Faith Connexion, and Christian Audigier. His early work — edgy and rebellious — reflected the pulse of rock and street culture. Yet, over time, he became disillusioned by fast fashion’s waste and set out to redefine luxury itself.
The Bag That Changed Everything
When he decided to repaint a worn Louis Vuitton bag — a gift from his mother — Karto unknowingly sparked a movement. The transformation inspired him to create something new: luxury that lasts. By replacing old materials with ethically sourced leather, silver hardware, and hand-painted details, he reimagined what “recycled” could mean — art, not waste.
Luxury, Recycled and Reborn
Founded in 2017 in Miami, the Philip Karto brand merges art, sustainability, and heritage craftsmanship. Each piece — from vintage Louis Vuitton and Hermès to Goyard — is disassembled, restored, and reborn with hand-painted motifs, embroidery, and premium hardware. Every creation is unique, numbered, and personal — a true collector’s item.
For Karto, fashion is not about consumption but transformation. His mission is to challenge the disposable culture of modern luxury and celebrate individuality through craftsmanship. Each bag tells a story — one of rebirth, creativity, and conscious design.
From Miami to Paris, Karto’s work has captivated celebrities and collectors alike — from Miley Cyrus to Floyd Mayweather. Featured in Forbes, his creations are praised for redefining sustainable fashion and proving that creativity and responsibility can coexist in the world of high-end design.
With collections like Pop Art 2024, Philip Karto continues to blend fine art and fashion, pushing boundaries between heritage and innovation. His work remains a declaration of freedom, artistry, and conscious luxury — a legacy in motion.
Join the Movement
Discover one-of-a-kind upcycled and recycled creations — each piece tells a story of transformation.