On this day, the fashion world marks the death of Karl Lagerfeld, one of the most influential designers of the late twentieth and early twenty first centuries, who passed away on 19 February 2019 in Paris at the age of eighty five. Lagerfeld was not simply a designer but a defining figure in global fashion whose work reshaped how heritage brands could survive and evolve in a modern industry driven by spectacle, media and reinvention.
Born in Hamburg in 1933, Lagerfeld moved to Paris as a teenager and quickly entered the world of haute couture after winning a design competition in 1954. He began his career working for Pierre Balmain before going on to design for Jean Patou and later Chloé. His career took a decisive turn when he joined Fendi in 1965, where he remained for more than five decades, famously reinventing fur by transforming it from a symbol of tradition into an experimental and modern material.
In 1983, Lagerfeld became the creative director of Chanel at a time when the house was widely seen as outdated following the death of Gabrielle Chanel. Through his work, he revived the brand’s relevance by reinterpreting its classic elements such as tweed, pearls and quilting with bold silhouettes and contemporary styling. Under his leadership, Chanel became one of the most powerful and recognisable luxury brands in the world. He also launched his own label, Karl Lagerfeld, which reflected his personal aesthetic and creative independence.
Known for his tireless work ethic, Lagerfeld produced multiple collections each year across several fashion houses simultaneously, while also working as a photographer, publisher and art director. His visual campaigns and runway shows often blurred the boundary between fashion and performance, turning presentations into large scale cultural events. His personal image with powdered white hair, dark sunglasses and high starched collars became as iconic as the clothes he designed.
Lagerfeld’s death marked the end of an era in which a single designer could dominate multiple fashion institutions while maintaining a distinct creative identity. Yet his influence continues to shape contemporary fashion, particularly in how historic brands are continually reinvented without losing their core identity.
Source: GQ Magazine
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