Did Karl Lagerfeld Own Chanel?

Chanel is one of the most iconic fashion houses in the world, known for its timeless designs and classic style. And while Coco Chanel herself was responsible for building the brand into what it is today, there has been much speculation over the years about who truly owns and controls the company.

One name that often comes up in these discussions is Karl Lagerfeld, who served as Chanel’s creative director from 1983 until his death in 2019. But did Lagerfeld actually own Chanel Let’s take a closer look.

The History of Chanel

Before we can answer the question of whether Lagerfeld owned Chanel, it’s important to understand a bit about the history of the brand. Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel founded the company in 1909, and over the next several decades, she built it into a fashion empire with her signature designs such as her little black dress and iconic tweed suits. Following her death in 1971, ownership of Chanel passed to a group of investors led by businessman Pierre Wertheimer.

Karl Lagerfeld’s Role at Chanel

Karl Lagerfeld joined Chanel as creative director in 1983, following a successful career working for other luxury brands such as Fendi and Chloe. During his time at Chanel, he became known for his innovative designs that blended classic elements with modern touches. He also helped to expand the brand’s reach by launching new product lines such as cosmetics and accessories.

While Lagerfeld was undoubtedly instrumental in shaping Chanel’s image and maintaining its relevance over the years, he did not actually own any part of the company. Rather, he was employed by Chanel as an employee and was given creative control over its collections.

Who Owns Chanel Today

So if Karl Lagerfeld didn’t own Chanel, who does Today, ownership of the company remains with members of Coco Chanel’s family, as well as the Wertheimer family. Alain Wertheimer and Gerard Wertheimer, who are the grandsons of Pierre Wertheimer, are the current owners of Chanel.

While there have been rumors over the years that Chanel could be sold to another company or individual, at this time, it remains firmly in the hands of its current owners.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Karl Lagerfeld played a significant role in shaping Chanel’s image and maintaining its relevance over the years, he did not actually own any part of the company. Ownership of Chanel has remained with members of Coco Chanel’s family and the Wertheimer family since its inception. Today, it remains one of the most successful and iconic brands in fashion history.