Highlights
- Karl Lagerfeld was a renowned fashion designer who changed the course of fashion history.
- He worked with some of the biggest fashion houses, including Balmain, Chloé, Fendi, and Chanel.
- Lagerfeld’s signature style revolutionized the fashion industry in various ways.
Karl Lagerfeld was a renowned fashion designer who changed the course of fashion history. From his iconic designs to his pioneering influence, learn more about the work of this style icon and discover how he revolutionized fashion.
We’ll explore his contributions to the industry and some of his most memorable looks. So come along with us and celebrate the timeless legacy of Karl Lagerfeld!
Karl Lagerfeld’s contributions to the world of fashion are unparalleled. Known as the “Kaiser” of fashion, he spent almost 70 years in the industry as a designer and creative director.
Lagerfeld has worked with some of the biggest fashion houses, including Balmain, Chloé, Fendi, and Chanel.
Artistic Director of Chanel
In 1984, Lagerfeld launched his eponymous label, quickly gaining widespread recognition.
However, Lagerfeld’s most significant achievement came in 1983 when he took over as the Artistic Director of Chanel.
He transformed the brand, modernizing and revitalizing its designs. His bold approach charmed Chanel’s loyal customers, who had counted on the brand’s signature style for decades.
Lagerfeld’s signature style revolutionized the fashion industry in various ways.
For instance, at Fendi, he was credited with constantly reinventing their famous baguette bag.
He also designed costumes for the English National Ballet in 2009.
At Chloé, Lagerfeld cemented the label’s romantic roots via bold prints and flowing dresses, making the designs easy to identify and much loved by Chloé fans.
Reviving Interlocking “C” Monogram
Lagerfeld’s most significant contribution to the industry came via his collaboration with Chanel. Some of his iconic pieces have become synonymous with Chanel, including tweed suits, layered pearl necklaces, and the interlocking “C” monogram.
In his first Chanel collection, he saw up with hemlines and introduced new accessories, like gloves, to the brand’s collections.
Lagerfeld’s genius lay in his ability to breathe new life into fashion houses without losing the essence of their brand’s core identity.
Indeed, Lagerfeld revitalized Coco Chanel’s archived signatures, such as the tweed suit and chain handbag strap. Therefore, it was no surprise that he generated much excitement amongst his fans by partnering with Chloé and Fendi.
H&M and Lagerfeld Collaboration
In 2004, Lagerfeld made history by becoming the first designer to collaborate with H&M, marking a significant milestone in the retailer’s history.
In addition, Lagerfeld was widely known for his iconic and noteworthy appearance. His signature look was as instantly recognizable as his designs, often sporting his slicked-back silver hair, black sunglasses, high-collared white shirts, black blazers, and fingerless gloves on both hands.
Lagerfeld’s contributions to the fashion world are vast and significant. From floaty dresses in bold prints for Chloé in the 70s, showing off signature pussy bow ties and matching head scarves.
Karl Lagerfeld’s Memorable Looks
The 1980s brought Chanel and raised this iconic fashion house’s hemlines, but nothing tells Lagerfeld’s story more than Cara Delevigne’s space suit for the Met Gala.
The star’s flawless metallic-painted silver bald head starkly contrasted with the suit’s plunging neckline and strong shoulders.
The model-turned-actor added body glitter in silver and a thick silver belt to the outfit as accessories. The gown spawned one thousand copies in contrast to the Met Ball, ‘The Ruffled Pink Dress,’ which generated thousands of copies.
Lily-Rose Depp, whose inclusion in the show was made all the more significant considering that her mother, Vanessa Paradis, also a modeled for the company, finished Lagerfeld’s spring/summer 2017 runway show in the electrifying ruffled pink gown.
There’s little doubt Lagerfeld was a brilliantly talented and innovative designer, who redefined luxury, and his impact on the industry will be felt for generations to come.
Lagerfeld left an indelible mark on the fashion world, from his designs to his enigmatic appearance.