Part of my business in fashion...is not to look the way the things are but to make believe what it should or could be. -- Karl Lagerfeld in NART Magazine.
His look is without equal in the industry: a silvery ponytail, dark glasses and fan. But lately, Karl Lagerfeld has been busy reinventing himself.
Last year he sold his impressive 18th century furniture collection through Christie's France, presumably to switch to a contemporary decor.
A few years ago year he shed a reported 65 pounds and traded his baggy clothes for sleek Christian Dior threads.
The world-famous couturier knows all about change when it comes to the fashion industry. His prolific body of work -- currently for Fendi, Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld -- explores a wide variety of always evolving looks.
Vital stats
Honors: Neiman Marcus Award, 1980; CFDA, 1991
Born: 1938 in Hamburg, Germany
Started in the business: Began with Pierre Balmain in '54, moved on to Krizia, Charles Jourdan, Valentino and Chloe.
What you might not know about him
- He's outspoken. In Hello Magazine he speaks out about former Chloe designer Stella McCartney's anti-fur film:“Oh please, how can she be in business with Gucci while posturing in this overly dramatic way? It’s deeply hypocritical of her...Everyone knows Gucci has made zillions of dollars by working with leather."
- He's designed costumes for films including "My First Love" (1978), "Babette's Feast" (1987) and Catwalk (1995), as well as costumes for operas and ballets.
- He's famous for his photography as well as his designs (more than 20 books of photography).
- The customer he designs for: Both the diehard fashionista (a woman who loves trends, labels and has the money and figure to carry it all off) and the classicist who appreciates timeless styles that avoid retro references.
- Notable quote: "The purpose of life is life." -- Karl Lagerfeld
Famous clients
Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Princess Di
How you can get the look
- The Chanel look is witty, often feminine and freshly mixed (like the classic Chanel jacket with denim or patent leather). Get the look by being bold and trying classic shapes with casual or updated pieces.
- Slim pants, strapless ballgowns, over-the-knee boots and minidresses may appear in the collection, but the Chanel gal is never tarty, just tastefully sexy.
- Accessories are a mainstay of Chanel: The interlocking C's adorn everything from eyewear to belts. Even if you can't afford head-to-toe Chanel, splurging on a pair of always-chic shades will add a few notches to your glam look.
- Dress rich even for play. Lagerfeld has the snowbunny fashionista look down pat with luxe fur detailing, quilted snowsuits and great boots.
- The Fendi girl is more modern, with clean lines and an urban palette (neutrals, black and white).
- Look for solid-color separates that become a sophisticated backdrop to show off great accessories and footwear (or furs!) rather than ensembles that take center stage.
- The Fendi look relies on must-have silhouettes (a cape, a mid-calf boot), often mixed with something feminine (lace or ruffle) to avoid being totally hard edged.
- Accessories are still important, but look for smart, trendy pieces to take the place of Chanel's chains and pearls.
- Fendi furs are legendary. Go for sleek pieces (Lagerfeld is known for taking the bulk out of furs with supple linings) and trims.
- More links:Chanel.com
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