Karl Lagerfeld was one of the most renowned fashion designers of the 20th and 21st centuries. He was born in Germany in 1933 and passed away in February 2019.
He was known for his distinctive style, his signature white hair, dark glasses, and high-collared shirts. Lagerfeld was a prolific designer who worked for many fashion houses throughout his career, including Fendi, Chloe, Balmain, and H&M. However, he is perhaps best known for his work with Chanel.
Chanel’s Creative Director
Lagerfeld first started working with Chanel in 1983 when he was hired as the creative director of the fashion house. At the time, Chanel was struggling to remain relevant and modernize its image. Lagerfeld’s arrival marked a turning point for the brand.
Under Lagerfeld’s leadership, Chanel became one of the most influential fashion houses in the world. He reinvented many of Chanel’s iconic designs such as the little black dress and the tweed suit. He also introduced new elements to the brand such as edgy leather jackets and bold costume jewelry.
In addition to designing clothing collections for Chanel each year, Lagerfeld also oversaw all aspects of branding and marketing for the brand. This included designing window displays for stores around the world and creating memorable ad campaigns.
Lagerfeld’s Legacy at Chanel
Lagerfeld remained at Chanel until his death in 2019. During his tenure as creative director, he transformed Chanel from a struggling fashion house into a global powerhouse that is still considered one of the most prestigious brands in luxury fashion today.
Many people credit Lagerfeld with saving Chanel from obscurity with his fresh take on classic designs and innovative marketing strategies. His influence can still be seen today in every aspect of Chanel’s branding from its logo to its signature fragrances.
The Future of Chanel without Lagerfeld
Following Lagerfeld’s death, there was much speculation about who would take over as creative director of Chanel. In 2019, it was announced that Virginie Viard, a longtime collaborator of Lagerfeld’s, would be taking over as the brand’s new creative director.
Viard had worked with Lagerfeld for over 30 years and was considered by many to be his protégé. She has already debuted her first collection for Chanel and has been praised for her ability to stay true to the brand’s heritage while also evolving its aesthetic for a new generation.
In Conclusion
Karl Lagerfeld was indeed a designer for Chanel. He served as the brand’s creative director from 1983 until his death in 2019 and is widely credited with transforming Chanel into the iconic fashion house it is today. While he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on at Chanel and in the world of fashion as a whole.