Karl Lagerfeld
Karl Lagerfeld was born in Hamburg in September 1938. A cosmopolitan education and knowledge of languages enabled him to finish his studies in Paris.
In 1955 he won the first prize in the contest organized by the secrétariat international de la laine(International Wool Association). The coat the young winner designed was produced by Pierre Balmain and at 17 Lagerfeld became the great designer’s assistant. He stayed with him for three years before becoming art director for Jean Patou, where he remained for five satisfying but unusually calm years, for his taste. This relative freedom allowed him to deepen his knowledge insubjects that had passionately interested him for years: history, architecture, music and especially eighteenth century French.
When ready-to-wear came into its own at the beginning of the 60s, he plunged into a career as an independent stylist in France, Italy, England and Germany. The concept of fur needed modernization to become a viable element of fashion. So, the House of FENDI called on Lagerfelda collaboration that continues to this day.
Perfume is as important as fashion for Lagerfeld, so in 1975 he launched “CHLOÉ”. He became the first great ready-to-wear designer to brand a scent globally without first having his own designer label. Then followed “LAGERFELD” for men in 1978. “PHOTO” in 1991 and “JAKO” in 1998.
In 1984 he created his own line “KARL LAGERFELD,” while continuing both his collaboration with the house of CHANEL, where he was named art director in 1983, and his longstanding collaboration with FENDI. He also signed the new collections for CHLOÉ from 1992 to 1997.
His constant interest in new experiences led Lagerfeld to illustrate Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Emperor’s New Clothes”. He created as well opera costumes for La Scala, the Florence opera house, the Burgtheater of Vienna and for the Salzbourg festival, and the MonteCarlo ballet.
He decided to move behind the lens in 1987, with his first press kit, and from this time on Lagerfeld created his own advertising campaigns. His passion for photography and for books transformed his campaigns into veritable art books, while continuing photo shoots for prestigious fashion magazines.
The year 1997 marked the end of the LAGERFELD company. In 1998 he began a new venture. He launched his own label, LAGERFELD GALLERY. The first boutique opened in Paris, followed by another in Monaco. The gauntlet was thrown…
November 1999 saw the opening of the bookshop “ 7L”, followed by the publishing company “EDITIONS 7L” in October 2000. He had now become publisher and bookshop owner.
In 2000 Lagerfeld changed his look, redefining his image. Willpower and a drastic selfimposed diet helped him lose 47 kilograms (103 lbs) giving up a style that no longer fitted his personality. He wrote a book “THE 3D DIET” (Designer, Doctor, Diet) about his unusual experience. It sold in the tens of thousands throughout the world.
In 2004 Lagerfeld designed a collection of 30 pieces for the fashion retailer H&M, under the “Karl Lagerfeld for H&M” label.
In 2005, Karl Lagerfeld sells its marks and its activities to Tommy Hilfiger, the operation includes Lagerfeld Gallery and the other Lagerfeld collections for which he continues to assume the direction of creation. This acquisition does not include he agreements with Chanel and Fendi with which ihecontinues his activities.
2006… Lagerfeld Gallery's name changed to KARL LAGERFELD.
2007... KARL LAGERFELD and Coty Inc enter into licensing alliance to market the Lagerfeld line of fragrances.
KARL LAGERFELD also entered into another strategic license agreement; one with Accessory Network Group LLC ("ANG") to design, manufacture and distribute Karl Lagerfeld handbags, small leather goods and luggage under their Prestige Brands Division. The license extends the KARL LAGERFELD brand into three important new categories that will be designed to complement the core apparel lines. The handbags, small leather goods and luggage, made available at retail in Fall 2008.
September 2007, KARL LAGERFELD teams with Marchon Eyewear Inc to create KARL LAGERFELD men's and women's eyewear, making its debut with the 2008 collection.The collection was designed in collaboration with KARL LAGERFELD and the design duo Christian Roth and Eric Domege. The design and palette reflect the spirit and sophisication of the KARL LAGERFELD brand.
“Dark glasses are like portable eye shadow and the world looks more beautiful through tinted glasses. Everybody looks 10 years younger,” states Karl Lagerfeld. “That is why I wear dark glasses always.”
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KARL LAGERFELD SAS and its affiliates design, source and market the internationally acclaimed signature ready-to-wear collection KARL LAGERFELD, a high end luxury collection which is designed and shown in Paris; in addition to the contemporary men’s and women’s denim collection K KARL LAGERFELD. The Company also offers an array of related accessories through strategic licensing agreements. The Company’s products can be found in boutique specialty stores and department stores worldwide
Karl Lagerfeld spring collection 2009
Karl Lagerfeld Accessories
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Courtesy of Karl Lagerfeld Press