3

The Man, the Myth, the Legend…

With his snow white hair, blacked out sunglasses, extremely high, almost colonial looking necklines, and clean, dark suit jackets, Karl Lagerfeld knows how to make a statement.

This is his aesthetic, his uniform even. You can search the internet high and low and you will not find an image where he is wearing anything but his uniform.

At this point, it is practically an indisputable statement when I say Karl Lagerfeld is a legend.

He not only launched his own personal fashion label, but he is also the head designer and creative director of both the Chanel and Fendi fashion houses.

But I want to start at the very beginning of this star’s life.

Born in Germany, he decided to move to Paris, France at the very young age of 14. By the age of 16, as a prize for winning a coat design competition, he was working along side Pierre Balmain, a French fashion designer responsible for the existence of the fashion house Balmain. (Fun fact” Yves- Saint Laurent also competed in this contest)

Around the age of 20 he took the position of creative director at a smaller house. This is where he began to make a true name for himself, which was not such a good name at the beginning.

Yes, he had quite a rocky start.

His first few haute couture collections were criticized harshly by media. They were shocked by short skirts and revealing neck lines. They basically ripped his collection to shreds.

However, despite the awful interpretations of his work, Karl still managed to leave his mark on the fashion industry. The silhouette he designed was from then on known as the “K” silhouette.

Before the age of 30 he made the bold decision to begin his own label, “Karl Lagerfeld.” His line flourished. He was praised for his natural talent and creativity.

He worked with so many houses after that, gathering the reputation of a nomad. Each endeavor was considered successful, but his biggest success, and biggest challenge, was Chanel.

After the death of Coco Chanel in 1971, the Chanel house lost its leadership and its identity. Chanel was nothing until Karl stepped took over in the early 80’s and overhauled the brand. Now the brand, still under his direction, is worth approximately 19.2 billion dollars.

So why is this man such a legend?

He started his career at the age of 16, working alongside icons.

He was offered the position of creative director of Jean Patou, the smaller house I mentioned above, at the age of 24!

He saved Chanel and gave Fendi its iconic furs.

As well known that he is by the public, there is some mystery to Karl. His date of birth is actually unknown and controversial. Karl first claimed to be born in 1938, yet media argued he was born in 1933. Karl then announced he was actually born in 1935, but his parents then came forward to say he was born in 1933. Who really knows?