Karl Lagerfeld was born in 1933 in Hamburg, Germany. His passion as a fashion designer became apparent at an early age and it wasn’t long before he began designing and making his own clothes. He moved to Paris in his early twenties and quickly made a name for himself in the industry. In 1954 he won first prize for his coat design in the French International Wool Secretariat. His unique style and innovative designs caught the attention of fashion houses, leading to collaborations with renowned designers like Pierre Balmain in 1955. Three years later, he worked as the artistic director for Jean Patou’s fashion house.
In 1964, he strayed away from Paris and started studying art history. Soon after, he became a freelance designer for companies like Chloé, Valentino, and Charles Jourdan. In his early years designing, he started using fur never before used in high fashion such as mole, rabbit and squirrel. In 1983, Lagerfeld took on the role of creative director at Chanel, a position that would define his career. He breathed new life into the iconic fashion house, rejuvenating its image while still honoring its timeless elegance. He released his first collection with Chanel that year and his name began to rise exponentially. Lagerfeld’s ability to blend tradition with modernity became his trademark, and he became known for his meticulous attention to detail and impeccable craftsmanship. In addition to his work at Chanel, Lagerfeld also made significant contributions to Fendi, where he served as creative director for over five decades. His creative vision elevated the brand to new heights, incorporating innovative materials and techniques into their designs.
Over his years as a designer, he had a series of muses that inspired his work. In 1970, he became close friends with fashion editor, Anna Piaggi. He designed her a series of flamboyant looks, now compiled in a book titled, Karl Lagerfeld: Journal de Mode. Claudia Schiffer was one of the most iconic models of the 90s and was a Laggerfeld muse. Lagerfeld put a 19 year old Claudia into the Chanel Spring/Summer collection in 1990. Lagerfeld said, “Some people said that she didn’t know how to walk but that was irrelevant. When you have her face and her charisma, it doesn’t matter how you walk—you can always be taught.” Devon Aoki was a model in the early 2000s and was a very important model for the era. She said, “I don’t fit the status quo. I suppose that’s a good thing. Not everyone’s 5ft 10in and stick thin. There’s more diversity now. It’s OK to be shorter and look sort of different.” She was one of the few models to be named a Chanel Bride and was one of Chanel’s first diverse models.
Beyond fashion design, Lagerfeld was a true Renaissance man. He was an accomplished photographer, capturing stunning images that showcased his unique perspective. He also had a passion for publishing, launching his own publishing house and releasing a variety of books on fashion, art, and culture. Lagerfeld’s impact extended far beyond the fashion industry. His distinctive personal style, including his signature white hair, high-collared shirts, and dark sunglasses, made him instantly recognizable. His sharp wit and candid remarks made him a captivating figure in the media, and he was often sought after for his opinions on a wide range of topics. Karl Lagerfeld’s passing in 2019 marked the end of an era in fashion. His legacy as a visionary, innovator, and true icon lives on, inspiring countless designers and leaving an indelible mark on the industry. His contributions will continue to shape the world of fashion for years to come.
