German fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld has died at the age of 85, according to the Paris fashion house Chanel. In January, Lagerfeld did not appear at the luxury fashion house’s show for the first time ever during his time as Chanel creative director. Chanel explained his absence as “tired.” A fashion critic said at the time that she couldn’t remember Lagerfeld ever missing a show in his 40 years at Chanel. No one at the fashion house could initially be reached for comment.
He recently denied concerns about his health and reported via video message. “It’s nice that you’ve recovered a bit,” an Instagram user commented in a clip at the beginning of February.
Creative director at Chanel since 1983
Hamburg-born Karl Otto Lagerfeld had been creative director at Chanel since 1983. With “Lagerfeld” he had also established his own brand and sold it through numerous stores in major German cities. Karl Lagerfeld was also active as a photographer. Lagerfeld has long had his center of life in the international fashion capital Paris.
In the mid-1950s, Lagerfeld began leading major couture houses such as Balmain, Patou, Chloé and Fendi to success in Paris. Lagerfeld once said in one of his numerous interviews that he was always interested in clothes without knowing that it was called fashion. Since 1983, the German fashion designer has shaken Chanel, the traditional luxury brand, out of its slumber. He updated the typical tweed jackets with ribbons and fringes, and combined haute couture dresses with sports shoes. He stayed true to the classic cocktail dress and pink suit.
Claudia Schiffer and Inès de la Fressange sent to the catwalks
He designed collections under his own name from the mid-1970s. Today, the Parisian-elect leaves behind a fashion empire that is estimated to be worth several million euros. His fashion was elegant, minimalist and innovative. The little Chanel jacket, the low back neckline, his wool coats with a belt buckle on the collar are unforgettable. Lagerfeld renewed classic shapes and created “looks”. He sent the most beautiful models down the catwalks, including Claudia Schiffer and Inès de la Fressange.
In Paris he was the last remaining fashion czar after the death of fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent. It was only in November that he inaugurated the famous holiday lighting on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
“Anyone who wears sweatpants has lost control of their life”
Lagerfeld’s sayings were legendary. About his skin, he said: “I don’t go out in the sun anymore. I haven’t for ages. I don’t want to look like an old turtle.” The owner of 300,000 books said about his education: “I basically never learned anything. I didn’t even graduate from high school and nothing.” The fashion czar’s verdict on casual clothing was devastating: “Anyone who wears sweatpants has lost control of their life.”
Lagerfeld’s tireless desire to create was not just limited to haute couture. His announcement in 2004 that he would design inexpensive fashion for the Swedish discount fashion chain H&M caused a stir. Lagerfeld was the first design collaboration partner. He was followed by Lanvin and Versace, among others. The French press called the son of the Hamburg “lucky clover” condensed milk manufacturer Otto Lagerfeld the “King of excess” or “Charlemagne” because of his restless creativity.
Karl Lagerfeld Dies: The End of an Era in Fashion
Karl Lagerfeld, one of the most iconic and influential fashion designers of the 20th and 21st centuries, passed away on February 19, 2019, at the age of 85. His death marked the end of an era in the world of high fashion, and the loss reverberated throughout the industry. Lagerfeld was not just a designer; he was a symbol of fashion itself, known for his sharp wit, impeccable style, and ability to constantly reinvent his designs while staying true to his own unique vision.
Lagerfeld’s death brought an outpouring of tributes from all corners of the fashion world, including designers, celebrities, and fans of his work. His legacy is as multifaceted as his career, and the impact he had on fashion, art, and culture is immeasurable. This article takes a deeper dive into Lagerfeld’s life, career, and his lasting influence on the fashion industry.
Early Life and Beginnings in Fashion
Karl Otto Lagerfeld was born on September 10, 1933, in Hamburg, Germany. His early life was marked by a sense of aspiration and an unwavering determination to become part of the world of fashion. Although the details of his early life were often vague—Lagerfeld liked to obscure his past and famously claimed to have been born in 1938—his passion for fashion began at a young age.
At the age of 14, Lagerfeld moved to Paris, where he pursued his education in fashion at the Lycée Montaigne. His ambition was clear, and he soon started working in the fashion world. He entered the world of haute couture in 1955 when he won a competition organized by the International Wool Secretariat. This win led to him securing a position as an assistant to Pierre Balmain, one of Paris’s most respected designers at the time.
Breakthrough with Fendi and Chanel
Lagerfeld’s career truly took off when he began working with major fashion houses, and his collaborations with Fendi and Chanel were the defining moments of his career.
Fendi: In 1965, Lagerfeld was hired by Fendi, the luxury Italian fashion house known for its fur creations. Lagerfeld’s work with Fendi revolutionized the way fur was perceived in fashion. While the material had often been associated with old-world luxury, Lagerfeld’s innovative use of fur, combined with his contemporary approach to design, helped elevate it to a new, modern level. Lagerfeld’s work at Fendi continued for over five decades, and he was integral to shaping the brand’s identity, from the iconic “FF” logo to its use of fur and leather.
Chanel: In 1983, Lagerfeld was appointed creative director at Chanel, the legendary French fashion house founded by Coco Chanel. His appointment was met with skepticism by some in the fashion world, as many felt that no one could ever fill the shoes of the house’s founder. However, Lagerfeld quickly proved his critics wrong. He brought a fresh, modern edge to the brand while staying true to Coco Chanel’s timeless elegance. Lagerfeld’s ability to reinterpret Chanel’s classic designs, such as the little black dress, tweed suits, and the iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume bottle, allowed the brand to thrive in the new millennium.
Lagerfeld’s vision transformed Chanel into one of the most powerful and recognizable brands in the world, and he was largely credited with rejuvenating the house and keeping it at the forefront of the fashion world for over three decades.
A Unique Vision and Personal Style
What set Karl Lagerfeld apart from many other designers was not just his technical skill but his unique personality and personal style. He was known for his meticulously curated image, which became as iconic as his designs. With his signature white ponytail, black sunglasses, and high-collared shirts, Lagerfeld cultivated a look that became instantly recognizable. He was a master of branding himself, and his personal style became inseparable from his creative output.
Lagerfeld’s persona was often described as elusive and enigmatic. He was known for his sharp tongue, biting wit, and occasional provocations. Yet, he was also a man of great depth, constantly engaged with art, literature, and culture. Lagerfeld was not just a designer—he was a polymath. He was an accomplished photographer, a lover of history, and an astute observer of the world around him. He worked in various creative fields, from directing ad campaigns to producing books of his photography. His intellectual curiosity and boundless creativity fueled his work and allowed him to stay relevant in the ever-changing world of fashion.
Lagerfeld’s Contributions to Fashion: Innovation and Reinterpretation
Karl Lagerfeld’s genius lay in his ability to balance the traditional with the contemporary. His designs were not about following trends but about creating something new, modern, and unexpected. His work was marked by an unwavering commitment to innovation, and he was constantly experimenting with new materials, cuts, and ideas.
Lagerfeld was a master at reinterpreting the classics. He took the codes of traditional fashion houses like Chanel and Fendi and gave them a new twist. His use of bold colors, geometric patterns, and unexpected fabrics in the Chanel collections was groundbreaking. He also introduced the concept of “fashion shows as performance art,” with elaborate runway shows that often resembled theatrical productions. For example, he famously staged a Chanel runway show in the Grand Palais in Paris, which featured a life-size replica of a supermarket complete with Chanel-branded products on the shelves.
His designs for Fendi, particularly his work with fur, were revolutionary in their approach to luxury and modernity. Lagerfeld was able to modernize the luxury of fur, making it more accessible and less tied to traditional, high-society ideals. His work at Fendi also included ready-to-wear collections that blurred the line between haute couture and street style, democratizing fashion and making it more inclusive.
In addition to his work at Chanel and Fendi, Lagerfeld also had his own eponymous fashion label, Karl Lagerfeld, which focused on ready-to-wear collections and accessories. His brand was known for its sleek, modern designs that were infused with Lagerfeld’s signature style, combining classic elements with a forward-thinking approach.
Lagerfeld’s Legacy
Karl Lagerfeld’s death was met with an outpouring of tributes from around the world, as people reflected on his immense contributions to fashion. Tributes came from his colleagues, peers, and those who had worked closely with him. The global fashion community, which had been so deeply influenced by his vision, mourned the loss of a creative giant.
Chanel, Fendi, and the Karl Lagerfeld brand all continue to thrive in the years after his passing, though each has faced the challenge of carrying on his legacy without his presence. Lagerfeld’s death has left a void in the fashion world, but his impact continues to be felt in the collections that bear his name and in the broader cultural landscape he helped shape.
Lagerfeld’s influence extends far beyond the world of fashion. His unique approach to creativity, his ability to blend art, design, and culture, and his commitment to pushing boundaries have inspired countless designers and artists. He was an icon of his time, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of creatives.
Conclusion
Karl Lagerfeld’s passing marked the end of an era in fashion. He was a designer who transcended fashion itself, becoming a cultural figure whose impact was felt in every corner of the creative world. His work with Chanel, Fendi, and his own brand changed the course of fashion history, and his personal style and innovation set the standard for future generations of designers. Lagerfeld’s genius lay not just in his ability to design beautiful clothes but in his capacity to constantly reinvent and push the boundaries of fashion, art, and culture. The fashion world may have lost a legend, but Lagerfeld’s legacy remains as powerful and relevant as ever.
