There is little in our world that Karl Lagerfeld hasn’t inspired, touched, or done himself. Born in Hamburg in 1938—around the time of Coco Chanel’s retirement—Karl Lagerfeld would in short time become the “Kaiser” in the fashion world and play a part in virtually all forms of expression in the fashion industry.
An intelligent and precocious child, Karl Lagerfeld mastered European languages and studied in France, whereby he won his first major competition for coats the International Wool Secretariat. The same contest fellow fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent won for dresses. The success from the contest launched both designers into reputed jobs in France; Lagerfeld began working as an assistant for Pierre Balmain. In 1958, after three years with Balmain, Lagerfeld went to work with Haut Couture designer Jean Patou. Over a course of five years, Lagerfeld became bored working on only two collections. Lagerfeld was, is a man of action and of multi-tasking. Therefore, Lagerfeld left Patou and spent two years, according to him, “mostly on beaches—studying life.”
During this period, Lagerfeld studied his passions: architecture, history, music, and 18th century French. These four elements would be essentially influential in all of his productions during the 20th century. Thereafter, Lagerfeld started working as an independent stylist in Germany, France, Italy, and England. During the 70s, Fendi fashion house needed help looking for modern looks, Lagerfeld joined the team introducing a modern look for furs—said partnership still lasts today.
After the 70s, Lagerfeld showed his multi-faceted eye for beauty. His versatility and ability to express elegance in multiple forms is why We Love Karl Lagerfeld. In 1975, Lagerfeld introduced Chloé—a line initially based on fragrances (Lagerfeld noted that the parfum was just as important as the attire). In 1983, he began working as art director for Chanel. He introduced his own line Karl Lagerfeld as well.
When it seems that Karl Lagerfeld did too much, he didn’t allow time to stop him with more ambitions. Since 1984, Karl Lagerfeld has reached international fame as the “Kaiser” running his own ad campaigns, photographing, publishing books, owning bookstores, illustrating books, designing costumes for classical theater, and balancing the houses of Chanel, Fendi, and Karl Lagerfeld.
Known for creating stories of his past, Lagerfeld believes in being one’s own hero. He controls his past and, therefore, his present and future. Turn through the pages of any fashion magazine and it is doubtful that Lagerfeld isn’t in some way connected. From H&M to Haut Couture, Karl Lagerfeld shows through action why he is known as the “Kaiser.”
