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A Journey Through the Designer's History, From His Early Years, Through Leadership in Various Fashion Houses, to the Creation of His Own Brand.

Karl Lagerfeld, the genius whose magic unfolds both in his creations and in his words, once stated: "Fashion is an art for life." And indeed, he proved it. From his humble beginnings in Hamburg to his epic ventures in Paris, Lagerfeld not only made a mark on the industry but also sculpted a legacy that defies the passage of time.

Who would have imagined that young Lagerfeld, with his insatiable curiosity for art and fashion, would find his destiny in the workshops of Balmain in France? Yet, that's exactly how it happened. His triumph in a competition at the age of 22 opened the doors to a career that would dazzle the world.

However, the true milestone began when Fendi recruited him in 1958 to revolutionize their fur line. Here, Lagerfeld not only put fur on the fashion map but elevated it to a sublime art. Under his leadership, Fendi became synonymous with luxury and boldness.

But the story would not be complete without mentioning his reign at Chanel. Appointed creative director in 1983, the German designer transformed the venerable fashion house into a global phenomenon. His ability to merge the classic with the modern breathed new life into collections, restoring splendour to Haute Couture and creating the brand's Ready-to-Wear collection as it is known today.

A year later, armed with his expertise and reputation as a shield, Lagerfeld launched his own brand. Here, the designer's creativity reached new heights, offering garments that were a feast for the eyes and fragrances capable of enchanting the senses of his loyal community.

The icons: his own image, a mirror of his collections.

Karl Lagerfeld left an immense void in the fashion world following his passing in 2019, but his legacy, passion, and DNA will live forever in his brand. The fashion Emperor brought to life icons that positioned him as one of the most prestigious and influential designers of the second half of the 20th century.

Structured jackets and the iconic tweed jacket, originally created by Coco Chanel and revived by Lagerfeld, are emblems of both the designer and the brand. This characteristic piece, part of the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, is one of the designer's great works. Its influence lives on in the contemporary designs of the brand.

The white shirt, a staple of daily wardrobe and Lagerfeld's own attire, is another symbol of his legacy. The brand asserts that a "timeless shirt immediately adds a touch of sophistication to any look," staying true to this classic. Whether of printed silk, with sumptuous ruffles, scarves, or bows at the neck, the white shirt reflects the elegance and timeless style that characterize the brand.

Fingerless gloves - part of Lagerfeld's daily uniform - complemented his iconic look composed of a black suit, a high-neck white shirt, ties or bows, and dark sunglasses. This distinctive style helped cement his image in the fashion world, and the gloves became an unmistakable symbol of his collection.

The phenomenon of sunglasses, inseparable from Lagerfeld's image, is another particular element. As he himself said, sunglasses "are like eye shadow: they make everything look younger and prettier." Rarely seen without them, they have become a key piece of his eponymous brand. His designs, which blend vintage elements with modern touches and bear the characteristic "KL" logo, reflect the characteristic sophistication and boldness of the designer.

Karl was a passionate person, and one of his great passions was his cat "Choupette." This Burmese cat, which entered the designer's life in 2011, quickly became an icon in her own right and a muse for his collections. Her presence spans from textiles to accessories, adding a human and affectionate dimension and creating a deep bond with the brand's followers.

Since 2014, a small animated drawing of the creator, known as "Karlito," has also been incorporated into his collections - as a caricature representation of the designer himself. This element made its debut as an accessory in Fendi's fall-winter 2014 collection, appearing as a fur keychain, and became a playful and endearing symbol of the brand.

Karl Lagerfeld not only left an indelible mark on fashion but also transformed his own style into eternal icons, influencing generations and keeping his innovative and sophisticated spirit alive in every design. His legacy endures, reflecting the greatness of a man whose creativity and vision redefined the fashion industry.

Want to know more?...

A series about the designer who rescued Chanel from imminent closure is now available on Disney+, under the name "Becoming Karl Lagerfeld." This series transports us to the 1970s to explore how that young German who arrived in Paris transformed into the legend we all know. Set specifically in 1972, the series introduces us to an unknown Karl Lagerfeld in the world of ready-to-wear, who falls deeply in love with Jacques de Bascher and faces his friend and rival Yves Saint Laurent, supported by the formidable Pierre Bergé. An unparalleled opportunity for viewers to immerse themselves in this narrative and discover the authentic life of the iconic designer.

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