Karl Lagerfeld
Karl Otto Lagerfeld was born in Hamburg, Germany. He moved to Paris at the tender age of 14 and started his career in design by entering a competition. Taking first place in the coat category, Lagerfeld also met longtime friend Yves St Laurent.
Karl Lagerfeld is well-recognized around the world for his impressive career in fashion. He has been a major creative influence behind labels such as Tommy Hilfiger, Chanel, and Fendi. His own label, Karl Lagerfeld is an international success.
Lagerfeld is often seen in his trademark dark glasses and high starched collars, matching his pony-tailed white hair with his famous Birman cat, Choupette. Despite his love for Choupette, Karl has a vicious feud with the group PETA for his use of fur and laissez-faire views on animal products in fashion. PETA animal rights activists once tried to throw a tofu pie at Lagerfeld during a New York City fashion show in 2001. They missed and hit Calvin Klein by accident.
One of his most notable collaborations was with model and actress Cara Delevingne, whom he named as his muse and worked with on multiple projects, including Chanel campaigns and runway shows. Lagerfeld also collaborated with supermodel Claudia Schiffer, who became one of his muses and a regular face in his fashion campaigns. Additionally, Lagerfeld worked with music legend Madonna, designing the costumes for her 2006 “Confessions” tour. He also collaborated with actress Diane Kruger, who became a brand ambassador for Chanel and worked closely with Lagerfeld on various creative projects. Other notable collaborations include working with actress and singer Vanessa Paradis, who served as the face of Chanel’s Coco perfume, and with designer and entrepreneur Victoria Beckham, who sought his advice on launching her eponymous fashion label.
Karl Lagerfeld passed away in February 2019 at the age of 85.