Karl Lagerfeld, a true fashion icon and creative visionary, is best known for his transformative influence at the French luxury fashion house Chanel. His tenure as the creative director of Chanel spanned over three decades, during which he transformed the brand from a fading relic of French haute couture into a global powerhouse.
Born in Hamburg, Germany in 1933, Lagerfeld began his career in fashion in the 1950s as an assistant to Pierre Balmain. He later worked for other notable fashion houses such as Jean Patou and Chloe before being appointed as the creative director of Chanel in 1983.
When Lagerfeld took over Chanel, the brand was still associated with its founder, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, who had passed away in 1971. Lagerfeld’s challenge was to revitalize the brand and make it relevant to a new generation of fashion consumers while still honoring the legacy of Coco Chanel.
One of the first things Lagerfeld did was to update Chanel’s iconic tweed suit, which had become somewhat outdated. He modernized the design by adding new textures, colors, and patterns, while still maintaining the classic elements that made it so popular. He also introduced a new logo, which featured interlocking C’s instead of the original logo that featured the interlocking Cs and a laurel wreath.
Lagerfeld’s vision for Chanel was to create a brand that was both modern and timeless. He believed that fashion should be accessible to everyone, not just the elite few, and that luxury and innovation could go hand in hand. He was also known for his attention to detail and his ability to create fashion that was both elegant and edgy.
One of Lagerfeld’s most notable achievements at Chanel was his creation of the brand’s signature quilted bag, the 2.55. The bag was designed with functionality in mind, featuring a shoulder strap and multiple compartments, but it also had a distinctive style that made it an instant classic. The 2.55 bag remains one of Chanel’s most popular products to this day.
Lagerfeld was also responsible for creating some of Chanel’s most iconic runway shows. He often transformed the Grand Palais in Paris into elaborate sets that transported audiences to different worlds. Some of his most memorable shows include a beach-themed show with real sand and crashing waves, a forest-themed show with real trees, and a rocket ship-themed show complete with a launch countdown.
Despite his success at Chanel, Lagerfeld was not without controversy. He was known for his sharp tongue and his controversial comments on a variety of topics. He once called Adele “a little too fat,” criticized the #MeToo movement, and made insensitive comments about refugees. His remarks often sparked outrage, but they also helped to cement his status as a fashion industry icon who was not afraid to speak his mind.
Lagerfeld passed away in February 2019 at the age of 85. His legacy at Chanel lives on, however, through the many designs and innovations he brought to the brand. His contributions to fashion will be remembered for generations to come. Lagerfeld’s death was a great loss to the fashion world, but his legacy at Chanel lives on. Today, Chanel remains one of the most iconic fashion brands in the world, and Lagerfeld’s contributions to its success are undeniable. From the iconic tweed suit to the 2.55 bag and beyond, Lagerfeld brought new life to Chanel and helped it to evolve into a brand that is both classic and modern.
Karl Lagerfeld’s time at Chanel was a transformative period that brought the brand back to the forefront of the fashion industry. His vision for Chanel was both modern and timeless, and he was able to create fashion that was both accessible and innovative. Despite his controversial remarks, Lagerfeld will be remembered as one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century, and his legacy at Chanel will continue to inspire future generations of designers.