Karl Lagerfeld was a fashion icon and legend in the industry who had a career that spanned over five decades. Known for his trademark white ponytail and dark sunglasses, Lagerfeld was more than just a fashion designer. He was a creative genius, photographer, illustrator, and cultural icon. In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into 30 interesting facts about this fashion legend.
Who was Karl Lagerfeld and What is He Best Known For?
Karl Lagerfeld was a legendary fashion designer known for his innovative designs, sharp wit, and eccentric personality. He was born in Hamburg, Germany in 1933, and began his career in fashion at the age of 17, working as an apprentice for couture designer Pierre Balmain.
Throughout his long and illustrious career, Lagerfeld worked with some of the biggest names in fashion, including Chanel, Fendi, and his own eponymous brand, Karl Lagerfeld. He was also known for his collaborations with brands like H&M and PUMA.
Lagerfeld is perhaps best known for his work with Chanel, where he served as creative director for over three decades. During his time at Chanel, Lagerfeld transformed the brand, taking it from a fading label to one of the most iconic and sought-after names in fashion.
One of Lagerfeld’s most notable contributions to Chanel was his revival of the brand’s signature tweed jackets. Lagerfeld took the classic design and updated it with his own unique flair, adding bold colours, contrasting trims, and unexpected embellishments.
Lagerfeld also modernized Chanel’s accessories line, introducing iconic pieces like the quilted handbag and the interlocking CC logo. He also introduced new materials and textures, including metallics, patent leather, and denim, which helped to update the brand’s signature look. =Beyond Chanel, Lagerfeld was also known for his work with Fendi, where he served as creative director for over five decades. During his time at Fendi, Lagerfeld was responsible for the brand’s iconic double-F logo, as well as its signature fur designs.
Lagerfeld was also known for his eccentric personality and sharp wit. He was a favourite of the fashion press, who eagerly awaited his every pronouncement on the industry. Lagerfeld was famous for his outspoken opinions, which often courted controversy, as well as his love of Diet Coke and his signature high-collared shirts.
Lagerfeld was also an accomplished photographer, having shot campaigns for a wide range of brands and publications. He was known for his striking black-and-white portraits, which often featured his famous friends and muses.
Despite his many successes, Lagerfeld was not without his detractors. He was criticized by some for his controversial statements and his penchant for controversy. However, even his critics could not deny his tremendous influence on the fashion industry.
In 2019, Lagerfeld passed away at the age of 85. His death was met with an outpouring of grief from the fashion world and beyond, as well as a flood of tributes to his immense talent and contribution to the industry.
Today, Lagerfeld’s legacy lives on, both in his iconic designs and in the countless designers and creatives who were inspired by his work. He will always be remembered as one of the most innovative, influential, and eccentric figures in fashion history.
30 Interesting Facts About the Fashion Tycoon ‘Karl Lagerfeld’
1. Born in Germany: Karl Otto Lagerfeld was born on September 10, 1933, in Hamburg, Germany. His father owned a company that made evaporated milk, and his mother was a lingerie saleswoman.
2. Multilingual: Lagerfeld was fluent in four languages, which included German, French, English, and Italian.
3. Artistic Family: Lagerfeld’s family had a creative background. His mother was a saleswoman at a fashion boutique and his father was an importer of evaporated milk. His maternal grandfather was a renowned Swedish artist.
4. Career Beginnings: Lagerfeld moved to Paris at the age of 14 to pursue a career in fashion. He started working as an apprentice for Pierre Balmain, who was one of the leading fashion designers of the time.
5. Fendi: Lagerfeld joined Fendi in 1965 as a creative director. He was responsible for turning the brand into a global fashion powerhouse.
6. Chanel: In 1983, Lagerfeld was appointed as the creative director of Chanel. He reinvented the brand, making it one of the most influential and iconic fashion houses in the world.
7. Personal Style: Lagerfeld had a unique personal style. He was always seen wearing dark sunglasses, a white shirt with a high collar, and a black suit. His trademark look also included a ponytail tied with a black ribbon.
8. Famous Quotes: Lagerfeld was known for his witty and often controversial quotes. One of his famous quotes was, “Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life, so you bought some sweatpants.”
9. Photography: Lagerfeld was also an accomplished photographer. He shot campaigns for numerous fashion brands, including Chanel and Fendi. He was also a contributor to prestigious fashion magazines like Vogue.
10. Interiors: Lagerfeld had a keen interest in interior design. He designed the interiors of several luxury hotels and apartments.
11. Collaboration with H&M: Lagerfeld was one of the first high-end fashion designers to collaborate with a high-street brand. He designed a collection for H&M in 2004, which sold out within hours.
12. Pet Cat: Lagerfeld was known for his love of his pet cat, Choupette. The cat had two maids and a personal Instagram account.
13. Net Worth: Lagerfeld’s net worth was estimated to be around $200 million at the time of his death.
14. Awards: Lagerfeld received numerous awards during his career, including the CFDA International Award, the Order of Merit, and the Legion of Honour.
15. Health Issues: Lagerfeld suffered from numerous health issues during his life, including pancreatic cancer. He died on February 19, 2019, at the age of 85.
16. Controversies: Lagerfeld was known for his controversial statements. He was criticized for making derogatory remarks about overweight women and the #MeToo movement.
17. Book: Lagerfeld published a book in 2013 titled “The World According to Karl.” The book was a collection of his quotes and thoughts on fashion, life, and everything in between.
18. Perfumes: Lagerfeld created several successful fragrances, including the popular Chanel No. 5.
19. Love Life: Lagerfeld was open about his sexuality and had several relationships during his life. He was never married and had no children, but he had long-term relationships with both men and women.
20. Legacy: Lagerfeld’s legacy lives on even after his death. He revolutionized the fashion industry with his creativity and bold ideas. His impact can be seen in the countless designers and creatives who were inspired by his work.
21. Love for Diet Coke: Lagerfeld was known for his love of Diet Coke. He famously drank up to 10 cans a day and even designed a limited-edition bottle for the brand.
22. Collaboration with PUMA: Lagerfeld collaborated with the sportswear brand PUMA to design a collection of sneakers and clothing.
23. Connection to Art: Lagerfeld was a big supporter of the arts and often incorporated art into his work. He even owned a collection of artworks, including pieces by famous artists like Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons.
24. Personal Library: Lagerfeld had a vast personal library with over 300,000 books. His collection included rare and antique books, as well as contemporary literature.
25. Design for Cars: Lagerfeld even tried his hand at designing cars. He designed a limited-edition Mini Cooper in 2008 and a special edition Bugatti Veyron in 2009.
26. Connection to Music: Lagerfeld was also interested in music and collaborated with numerous musicians throughout his career. He even designed costumes for pop icon Madonna’s “Re-Invention” tour.
27. Political Views: Lagerfeld was known for his conservative political views and was a vocal supporter of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
28. Fashion Icon: Lagerfeld was not only a designer but also a fashion icon himself. He was often photographed by paparazzi and was a regular at fashion events and parties.
29. Use of Technology: Lagerfeld was one of the first designers to embrace technology and social media. He had a strong presence on Instagram and was known for using digital technology in his fashion shows.
30. Fondness for Paris: Lagerfeld was deeply connected to the city of Paris and its culture. He often drew inspiration from the city and its landmarks and even owned several properties in the city.
Karl Lagerfeld was a true fashion legend who left an indelible mark on the industry. He was a creative genius who pushed boundaries and challenged the status quo. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of designers and fashion enthusiasts.
Love,
Team LadyInRoseGold
