As two of the most influential figures in the fashion industry, Karl Lagerfeld and Coco Chanel have left an indelible mark on fashion history. While Chanel passed away in 1971, Lagerfeld continued to carry on the legacy of the iconic brand for over three decades.
But did these two fashion legends ever cross paths Here’s what we know:
The Early Years
Coco Chanel founded her eponymous brand in 1909, and by the 1920s, her designs had revolutionized women’s fashion. Meanwhile, Karl Lagerfeld was born in Hamburg, Germany in 1933 and began working as a designer in Paris in the early 1950s.
It’s unclear whether Lagerfeld ever met Chanel during her lifetime. However, he certainly would have been aware of her influence on the fashion world, and it’s likely that her work influenced his own designs.
Lagerfeld Becomes Creative Director at Chanel
In 1983, Karl Lagerfeld was appointed as Creative Director at Chanel. At the time, the brand was struggling to stay relevant and had lost some of its former glory. Under Lagerfeld’s leadership, however, Chanel experienced a resurgence and became one of the most successful luxury brands in the world.
Despite his many achievements at Chanel over the years, Lagerfeld rarely spoke about his relationship with Coco Chanel or whether he ever met her.
What We Know for Sure
While it’s unclear if Karl Lagerfeld ever met Coco Chanel in person, there is no doubt that he had a deep respect for her work. In interviews throughout his career, he often spoke about how much she influenced him as a designer.
“I admired everything that she was doing,” he said in a 2007 interview with CNN. “She was the most modern person in the world at the time.”
Additionally, Lagerfeld’s designs for Chanel often paid homage to Coco’s original creations. He famously reinterpreted the brand’s classic tweed jacket and incorporated many of her signature elements into his collections.
The Bottom Line
While we may never know for certain whether Karl Lagerfeld and Coco Chanel ever met, there is no denying the impact that both of these fashion icons have had on the industry. From Chanel’s revolutionary designs to Lagerfeld’s innovative contributions to the brand, their legacies will continue to inspire designers for generations to come.