The world of fashion is mourning one it’s greatest stars today, February 19, 2019, as news broke of the death of Karl Lagerfeld. The German designer has passed away at the age of 85, but his impact on the industry will continue to be felt for ten times that. After emigrating to Paris from Germany as a young teen, Lagerfeld first became a design assistant for Pierre Balmain before going on to work for Chloe and Fendi in the 1960s. However, it is through his work with Chanel that the designer is most well known. His long career with iconic fashion house began in 1983, and his designs breathed new life into the label that was still suffering from the death of Coco Chanel ten years before. As Chanel’s creative director, Karl Lagerfeld secured his place in fashion history.
Let's a take a look at some of the most memorable events in the story of Karl Lagerfeld:
- In 1960 Lagerfeld left Balmain to join Jean Patou where his designs challenged preconceptions of couture, producing collections that including mini-skirts and plunging necklines.
- In 1977 he adopted his now famous signature look of dark glasses and ponytail.
- In 1983, Lagerfeld joined the most famous fashion house - Chanel - as creative director, an appointment seen as integral to reviving the ailing brand. In 1984, he presented his first couture collection for the brand.
- In 1987, he posed for Playboy.
- In 2001, he was so desperate to wear one of the skinny-fit Dior suits by designer Hedi Sliman, he lost six stone.
- In 2004, Lagerfeld teamed up with high street chain H&M. The entire first collection largely sold out within 24 hours.
- In 2011, he wrote and directed the movie, The Tale of a Fairy.
- In 2014, the autumn/winter 2014 Chanel collection was staged in a supermarket-themed show, complete with Chanel food and household products.
- also in 2014, Lagerfeld staged a feminist protest on the catwalk of the spring/summer 2015 show in Paris.
Some of the most famous and beautiful women in the world have worn clothes by Karl Lagerfeld. His list of clients and brand ambassadors would top an A-list event. Let’s take a look at ten of his most famous and memorable muses.
We’ve seen the women who this iconic fashion legend found inspiration in, and now let’s say goodbye by looking back at five of his very best and juiciest quotes. The man had just as much a gift for words as he did with clothes!
• "I don't do selfies. But other people do, and they all want to do selfies with me. No, no, no. We live in a world of selfies now... Thank God, Sébastien, my assistant, he's mean to the people in the street, mean and rude. I'm a nice person!”
• “There are not too many people with an opinion I care for. I'm not crazy to discuss fashion with men. I couldn't care less about their opinion!”
• "I think tattoos are horrible. It's like living in a Pucci dress full-time!”
• “Kate Middleton has a nice silhouette and she is the right girl for that boy. I like that kind of woman, I like romantic beauties. On the other hand, her sister struggles. I don't like the sister's face. She should only show her back!”
• “I am like a caricature of myself, and I like that. It is like a mask. And for me the Carnival of Venice lasts all year long!?