Karl Lagerfeld
Karl Lagerfeld (1933–2019) was a German fashion designer and photographer whose work at Chanel, Fendi and his own label continues to reach fans through exhibitions, books and films.
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Latest
Karl’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus their backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
Overview
- Born
- September 10, 1933, Hamburg, Germany
- Died
- February 19, 2019
- Creative work
- Fashion design, photography and publishing
- First recognition
- 1954 International Woolmark Prize, coat category
- Chanel
- Named artistic director in 1983
Mini bio
How it started.
Born in Hamburg, Karl moved to Paris as a teenager. Winning the coat category of the 1954 International Wool Secretariat competition helped secure a job at Pierre Balmain. Work at Jean Patou followed before a career as a freelance designer.
A new chapter at Chanel.
After designing for houses including Chloé and Fendi, Karl became Chanel’s artistic director in 1983. His first couture collection played with the house’s familiar codes: one black dress replaced strands of costume jewelry with embroidered trompe-l’œil jewels. He also established his own label in 1984.
Behind the camera.
Karl shot his first campaign in 1987 and later opened a Paris photo studio alongside the 7L bookshop. The Little Black Jacket, made with stylist Carine Roitfeld, turned a Chanel wardrobe staple into a series of portraits.
His work today.
Karl died on February 19, 2019. The recent updates here follow exhibitions and screen portrayals of his life and work. The linked social accounts belong to his namesake fashion house and are maintained by its team.
Creditschronological, newest first
Fashion
- 2019Chanel fall/winter 2019–20Collection designer with Virginie Viard
- 2018Chanel 2018–19 Paris–New York Métiers d’ArtDesigner
- 2016Fendi: Legends and Fairy TalesDesigner
- 1983Chanel spring/summer haute coutureArtistic director and designer
Photography and books
- 2012The Little Black JacketPhotographer; collaboration with Carine Roitfeld
Awards
- Outstanding Achievement Award2015 · British Fashion Awards, recognizing his contribution to the fashion industry.
- International Woolmark Prize1954 · Won the coat category, an early step into professional fashion design.
- One of the Most Beautiful German Books2012 · Stiftung Buchkunst recognized The Little Black Jacket, created with Carine Roitfeld.
Quotes
I design like I breathe, you don’t ask to breathe; it just happens.Karl Lagerfeld, quoted on his fashion house’s “The Real Karl” page
Trivia
- He originally planned to become an illustrator.
- The Paris studio he opened in 1999 was connected to his 7L bookshop.
- For The Little Black Jacket, Lagerfeld photographed celebrities while Carine Roitfeld styled them in the same Chanel classic.
Find Karl
Explore the official channels of Karl’s namesake fashion house, now run by its team.
Are you Karl Lagerfeld?
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