Rest in Peace Karl Lagerfeld
Image Courtesy: Strike Tallahassee
Though the infamous fashion house did not come under his reign until 1983, Karl Lagerfeld was a fashionable force to reckon with since he was born in 1938 in Hamburg, Germany. Chanel hired him in the eighties when they saw a massive decline in their business, in the hopes he could turn their mundane fashion into something more grandiose- but the results were far greater than anyone could have imagined.
As a designer and visionary, Lagerfeld transformed the likes of Chanel and Fendi into the powerhouse brands they are today, never shying away from being provocative. On February 19th, 2019, it was reported that Karl Lagerfeld had passed away at the age of 85. We commemorate the creative director, fashion designer, artist, photographer, and caricaturist through his quotes and creations below.
On himself
"I am very much down to Earth. Just not this earth."
On his early childhood
"When I was four I asked my mother for a valet for my birthday."
On his creative work
"I have a sort of Alzheimer's for my own work, which I think is a very good thing. Today too many people remember what they did - just forget it all and start again."
On the fashion business
"We created a product nobody needs, but people want. If you need an ugly old car, it can wait, but if you want a new fashion item, it cannot wait."
On vanity
"Vanity is the healthiest thing in life."
On his public persona
"I am like a caricature of myself, and I like that. It is like a mask. And for me the Carnival of Venice lasts all year long."
On self-care
"Don't sacrifice yourself too much, because if you sacrifice too much there's nothing else you can give and nobody will care for you."
On fashion's role
"Whatever it is, good or bad, it influences fashion. You can see that in fashion quicker than in any other thing going on. Fashion is something that reflects our lives and times with the shortest release because, cars, design and architecture take years to realize."
On retirement
"Why should I stop working? If I do, I'll die and it'll be all finished."
On memoirs
"I have nothing to say. I'm actually trying to make sure that I won't be remembered."
In this gallery, Marie Claire has compiled 79 photos in commemoration of Karl Lagerfeld’s Most Iconic Chanel Runway Looks. Though many have said Lagerfeld kept the spirit of Coco Chanel alive, they mourn his loss and hope to do the same as they take inspiration from creations dating back to the Fall of 1984.
Around 1960, Karl Lagerfeld was working as the art director for fashion designer Jean Patou. This was a position granted to him only three short years after winning his first prize in a contest organized by the Secrétariat International de la Laine (International Wool Association). The contest was to create a sketch of a coat, and Pierre Balmain produced the real version of Lagerfeld’s sketch-after offering the then 17-year-old a job as Balmain’s assistant. Shortly after, Lagerfeld became one of the first freelancers in the modern fashion industry. His talent reached countries such as France, Italy, England and Germany.
Perhaps one of his fan favorites, Lagerfeld produced the epic “Ready to Wear” collections from Chanel. In the nineties, his inspiration was all about bright colors and short skirts. Pictured is Naomi Campbell, debuting a playful in pink aesthetic that revolutionized style trends for the entire decade. Influences from this runway shown are still being revived today.
Image Courtesy: MICHEL ARNAUD/CORBIS/GETTY IMAGES
Lagerfeld made history with Chanel in 2018 with the decision to cease the use of exotic animal skins (snake, crocodile, lizard, stingray, etc). They became the first luxury fashion house to do so in the world, with Lagerfeld claiming, “we did it because it’s in the air, but it’s not an air people imposed to us.”
Most notably, Karl Lagerfeld was regarded as a visionary with the talent to transform any catwalk into something out of a movie. His catwalks have been transformed into high end supermarkets, international airports, and even space. Lagerfeld liked to put on a show within a show, and truly let his creativity run rampant.
Overall, Karl Lagerfeld was an iconic master of his industry- in addition to numerous others- that will forever go down in history. His transformative style and creative visions altered the fashion world for the better. He brought a light to the runway that has a long time before it burns out, and the industry will continue to work in that light of his legacy. With vivacity, passion, and an enigmatic persona, Karl Lagerfeld lives on through his creations and will forever be an icon living.
Image Courtesy: AFP
Strike Out,
Writer: Saralyn Lerner
Editor: Savannah Tindall
Graphic Designer: Sophie Li
Tallahassee