World renowned fashion designer, Karl Lagerfeld was born in Hamburg, Germany. In addition to his own label, Lagerfeld played a major part in the succus of well-known brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Chanel and Fendi. He was known for his cutting edge designs and constantly evolving work. Vogue dubbed him as the “unparalleled interpreter of the mood of the moment.”
Beginning at an early age, Lagerfeld had a natural affinity for fashion design. He was also known to be critical of what others wore to school. But it wasn’t until his teen years, after his family had returned to Hamburg, that Lagerfeld made the decision that he wanted to immerse himself into the world of high fashion.
At just 14-years-old, Lagerfeld moved to Paris. He’d been there just two years when he submitted a series of sketches and fabric samples to a design competition. He ended up taking first place in the coat category and meeting another winner, Yves Saint Laurent, who would eventually become a close friend.
By the 1980s, Lagerfeld became a major player in the fashion industry. He was a star in the press, as they often chronicled his changing tastes and social life. Lagerfeld had connections with many other major designers, models, brands and influencers, and was even good friends with Andy Warhol. At Chanel in the early 1980s, he revived the brand into a ready-to-wear fashion line.
In 1984, Lagerfeld launched his own label which he described as “intellectual sexiness.” The brand developed a reputation for quality designs with bold pieces. In 2005, he sold the label to Tommy Hilfiger.
Lagerfeld began slowing down as he advanced into his mid-80s. The media became concerned when he did not appear at the end of his Chanel shows in Paris in early 2019, a development that his media team attributed to his being “tired.” Days later, it was announced that the legendary designer had passed away on February 19, 2019.