Did Karl Lagerfeld Meet Chanel?
There has been a long-standing debate about whether Karl Lagerfeld, the former creative director of Chanel, ever met Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, the founder of the iconic fashion house. While some believe that Lagerfeld and Chanel had a personal relationship, others argue that they never met in person.
Let’s take a closer look at the evidence to try and answer this question once and for all.
The Case for Lagerfeld Meeting Chanel
Those who believe that Lagerfeld and Chanel met point to several pieces of evidence. First and foremost, there is a photograph of the two together from 1954.
In the photo, a young Karl Lagerfeld can be seen standing next to Coco Chanel in her Parisian apartment. This photo has been widely circulated and is often cited as evidence that the two designers had a personal relationship.
- Another piece of evidence is an interview that Lagerfeld gave to The New Yorker in 2007. During the interview, he reminisced about his early days at Chanel and talked about meeting Coco.
He described her as “a living legend” and spoke highly of her contributions to fashion.
- Finally, some supporters of the theory that Lagerfeld met Chanel point out that he worked for the brand twice – first from 1983 to 1987 and then again from 1992 until his death in 2019. They argue that it would be unlikely for him to have worked at such a high level for so long without ever having met the woman who started it all.
The Case Against Lagerfeld Meeting Chanel
Those who believe that Lagerfeld never met Coco Chanel argue that there is little concrete evidence to support this claim. They point out that while there is a photograph of the two together, it is not clear whether they had a personal relationship or if they simply posed for a picture together.
- Furthermore, some skeptics argue that Lagerfeld’s comments about meeting Chanel in his New Yorker interview were likely exaggerations or embellishments. They point out that Lagerfeld was known for his showmanship and may have been trying to build his own legend by associating himself with Coco Chanel.
- Finally, some detractors argue that it is entirely possible for someone to work at a company without ever meeting the founder. They point to other examples of designers who have worked at fashion houses without ever having met the person who started them.
The Verdict
So, did Karl Lagerfeld meet Coco Chanel? The truth is, we may never know for sure.
While there is evidence to support both sides of the argument, there is no conclusive proof one way or the other.
However, what we do know is that Lagerfeld’s contributions to Chanel were immense. During his time as creative director, he breathed new life into the brand and helped it stay relevant in an ever-changing fashion landscape.
Whether or not he met Coco Chanel in person, there can be no doubt that her influence was felt throughout his work.
In Conclusion
While the question of whether Karl Lagerfeld met Coco Chanel may remain unanswered, what is clear is that both designers left an indelible mark on the world of fashion. Their legacies continue to inspire and influence designers today, and their contributions will be remembered for generations to come.