Karl Lagerfeld

Born in Hamburg, Germany in 1938, Lagerfeld was sent to Paris to further his studies. In 1955, Lagerfeld was hired by Balmain after winning first prize in a coat design contest sponsored by the International Wool Secretariat. In 1958, at the age of 20, Lagerfeld joined Patou as the Art Director.

Being disillusioned by the state of Haute Couture, Lagerfeld left to Italy to study Art History. He returned a year later to Paris to work freelance for Chloe, Krizia, Valentino, and shoe manufacturer Charles Jourdan. In 1967, he joined Fendi as a consultant designer. Lagerfeld became the Design Director for Chanel in 1983. He launched his first collection under his own name in 1984.

Lagerfeld’s position in fashion history is assured because of his flexibility from ready-to-wear to haute couture. His skills are known for his bold designs in Chanel and for his delicate shaping in Fendi and Chloe. Moving between six main collections, his craftsmanship resonates from his couture background to his fine tailoring and sparks of surreal detailing.