Creative icon Fashion Designer & Fashion Icon Karl Lagerfeld Dies
There are no words to describe how much how the world will miss the iconic fashion pioneer Karl Lagerfeld. As the master of invention, in only 85 years, Karl tapped into his inner being to carry on more than three positions with two competing fashion houses brands – all at the same time. The German creative director was much more than a fashion pioneer. He was an artist, photographer, sculptor, all-around creative genius, and he was an entrepreneur.
I am heartbroken and sad that I did not get the chance to meet him with a group of P.S. This Rocks readers in Coco Chanel’s private apartment as planned later this year. If you haven’t seen my post about photographing CHANEL’s Coco Cuba Collection & 15 DIY Tips To Recreate The Coco Cuba look on a budget while being inside Coco Chanel’s private apartment on 31 Rue Cambon during Christmas, read both of those.
Who Was Karl Lagerfeld & How Did Karl Lagerfeld Get His Start In Fashion
How Karl Lagerfeld Got His Start In Creative Design
In 1958, Lagerfeld became chief designer for the house of Jean Patou, where he worked until 1963. He then became a freelance designer, creating fur collections for Fendi and the first fragrance for French fashion house Chloé. He also launched his a fragrance collection, Lagerfeld for Men, and, later, K.L. and KL Homme.
1983: Karl Lagerfeld Becomes Creative Director for CHANEL
In 1983, Lagerfeld became the creative director and head designer for Chanel. He shook up the fashion world by creating his Karl Lagerfeld brand ready-to-wear line called Karl Lagerfeld. At the same time, he created a lower-priced sporty line, K.L. He received France’s Golden Thimble award for his Chanel haute couture collection in 1987. Lagerfeld returned to Chloe in 1992, where his first collection was an enormous critical success. During this time, Lagerfeld launched his own label, which developed a reputation for high-quality fit at affordable prices.
Karl Lagerfeld | The Late 1990s and Early 2000’s
Lagerfeld stepped down from his position as the chief designer at Chloe in 1997 to concentrate on his own signature line. He sold his label to Tommy Hilfiger in 2005.
The Art of Karl Lagerfeld
Karl loved photographing iconic fashion models such as 1990’s German high fashion model, Claudia Schiffer. Claudia was undoubtedly his muse. Schiffer said that Karl was to fashion as Andy Warhol was to art. She was definitely among is favorites.
He was also known for creating fashionable home goods such as this foldable screen.
According to Art.net, over the years, Karl Lagerfeld sold numerous sketches and sample garments, purses, and accessories.
According to his friends and evident in his art, Karl Lagerfeld had a great sense of humor in his art and sculptures. Merging personal works and fashion, he created pieces like this Poupée Be@rbrick no. 989 for Chanel, 2006.
Continuing with his sense of humor and creativity, this is an anime sculpture designed by Karl Lagerfeld.
One of my favorite sculptures is Karl Lagerfeld’s personal busté sculpture, complete with glasses.
Karl Lagerfeld’s personal abstract portrait sketch painting is also inspiring.
Lagerfeld loved the human body and human souls. His nude photography was tasteful and fashion-forward.
Karl Lagerfeld, The Hospitality Interior Designer
With a job title like “creative director,” the boundaries are often blurred, even for Lagerfeld. From advertising campaigns to experiences, Karl embraced all facets of the process to create ultimate experiences, including hospitality interior design. Upon his death, Lagerfeld was in the process of designing the first hotel bearing his name in Macau, China. Most recently, he designed the Odyssey, Metropole Hotel, in Monaco.
Karl Lagerfeld, Kim Kardashian’s First Fashion Photographer
Karl Lagerfeld was a photographer. He shot Kim Kardashian’s first fashion photoshoot:
Life Lessons Taught By Karl Lagerfeld
1/Entreprenueral Spirit.
Lagerfeld, the caricaturist, leaves behind more than beautiful luxury fashion. He leaves behind many life lessons as a creative entrepreneur. Often WE (the creative entrepreneurs) are told to do one thing really well. In Karl’s case, he did many things really well. The best part is he didn’t really work a day in his life because he loved what he was doing for “work.” Lesson: Follow your passion, and you’ll never WORK a day in your life.
2/ Creative Genius.
As the creative director of CHANEL and Italian fur and leather goods, fashion house FENDI, and his own eponymous fashion label, Karl’s designs are classic yet out of the box. They are practical statement pieces. On every visit to Paris and Italy, I stop in each CHANEL and FENDI house I pass. I get to know the associates and photograph the garments. My FENDI fur post with all the beautiful, inspiring photos is coming soon – be sure to click here & subscribe, and we’ll send the post to your inbox. Lesson: Follow in the footsteps of the creative. Find your field, your path, your element, and always follow your creative gut. On my last trip to Italy, I had the privilege to visit inside the fur workroom in FENDI Rome.
3/ Understanding Others.
I love understanding how Karl worked by the rules of the CHANEL house left behind by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. He knew many did not think highly of her personal side. He managed to make magic and transform the brand back to the luster Gabrielle created upon its inception. He let her Paris apartment speak through the collections he crafted.
Remember the 2010 wheat collection? Yes, that inspiration came from her 31 Rue Cambon Flat. Lesson: Tune in to those around you. Especially those who have been there before you. Even if they didn’t succeed the way you can, they might be able to prevent you from making the same mistakes they did. Go Inside Coco Chanel’s private apartment just off the Place Vendôme in Paris with me. I was allowed to photograph inspirational close-up details that aren’t usually allowed. I use the photos for my interior design and marketing projects inspiration, and after the collections are over a year old, I will share the images here on P.S. This Rocks too!
Celebrity Designer Karl Lagerfeld Dies & This Is How Celebrities Tribute Him
Fashion House, CHANEL’s Response to Karl Lagerfeld’s Death
Words From FENDI CEO Serge Brunschwig | Karl Lagerfeld Dies
With five decades of pure creativity under his belt, Lagerfeld has the longest-lasting creative direction relationship with any fashion house in history. Serge Brunschwig, FENDI Chairman & CEO, says, “Working with Karl Lagerfeld at FENDI allowed me to catch a glimpse of the secret of the continuous renewal of the House.
I profoundly admire Karl’s immense culture, his ability to rejuvenate at all times, to taste all the arts, to not overlook any style, along with a persistent refusal to turn to his past, to look at his work in a mirror. He was restless, and his exigent nature would never leave him. The show was ending that Karl would always say, “And now number next!” He leaves us an enormous heritage, an inexhaustible source of inspiration to continue. Karl will be immensely missed by myself and all the FENDI people,”
Statement From Co-Worker, Silvia Venturini | Karl Lagerfeld Dies
FENDI’s Creative Director for Menswear, Accessories, and Kidswear, Silvia Venturini, says, “I am profoundly saddened as today we have lost a unique man and an unrivaled designer, who has given so much to FENDI and to myself. I was only a child when I first saw Karl. Our relationship was very special, based on a deep and very genuine affection. We had a lot of mutual appreciation and endless respect. Karl Lagerfeld has been my mentor and my point of reference.
A blink of an eye was enough to understand each other. For FENDI and myself, the creative genius of Karl has been and will always be our guiding light, molding the Maison’s DNA. I will miss him deeply and always carry with me the memories of our days together.”
With huge admiration for his work ethic, passion, and his intense curiosity and willingness to venture out of the box, Karl and his creative eye will be missed. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and coworkers.
P.S. If you haven’t read my post 5 Ways To Transform Your Wardrobe The Karl Lagerfeld Way – click here.
Miley Cyrus’s Tweet About Karl Lagerfeld’s Death | Karl Lagerfeld Dies
P.S.S. Can anyone tell me why Miley Cyrus would think that FENDI fur designer would want #NoFur in the future? See her post to see the reference:
Best Interview With Karl Lagerfeld by WWD Fashion Magazine
Interior designers & entrepreneurs, you’ll love watching this interview full of tips for creatives. Without further ado watch this…
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Much love, prayers, and plain good vibes to you all!
Christi
