They say some people are so amazing that a millennium spent with them seems like a minute. The world is definitely going to miss one particular personality who was always seen in the front row of fashion shows in his signature white pony tail, black clothes, white high collared shirt, leather gloves and his iconic sunglasses. We lost a legend today, on 19th February 2019 in Paris; and we cannot keep calm. Karl Lagerfeld also well known as the creative force behind iconic fashion brands like Chanel and Fendi, was a strong and opinionated designer who paved his way into the fashion maze with hard work and sheer passion.
Coming from a post war Germany, Lagerfeld always knew he did not belong there and in his early teen years he fled to Paris with the blessings of his parents where he started his journey. Lagerfeld was always inclined towards fashion and Nazi Germany did not stop him from exploring his fashion. He did not go to shows or saw supermodels to understand fashion, he simply observed what his classmates wore to class and was known to cut pictures out of fashion magazines.
His big break came in 1954, when he won first prize for a sketch of a coat which was then made by Pierre Balmain. The designer, impressed, offered him a job as his assistant.
Just three years later, he was named Jean Patou’s art director. Then, in 1965, he would begin a collaboration that was last to the end of his life, with Italian fashion house Fendi.
But it would be his role as Chanel’s artistic director, beginning in 1983, which would truly thrust him into the limelight and create the fashion icon known for the next three decades. “Why should I stop working? If I do, I’ll die and it’ll all be finished”, Karl Lagerfeld once said.
Even though Lagerfeld swam in the luxurious Italian fashion markets, he always looked back to his past. He sometimes went thrifting in flea markets and buying vintage wedding dresses that he could possibly reconstruct.
By the late 1980’s Karl became an indispensable asset of the fashion world. By 1984, he opened his own label which revolved around the idea of INTELLECTUAL SEXINESS. He was known for his Couture garments with inexplicable quality tailoring. He revived the Ready to wear fashion lines with the looks of street wear but the quality of Couture. In 2005 Tommy Hilfiger bought his label. He also explored in the field of film and photography and designed a glassware line.
Karl Lagerfeld was known to have an outspoken personality. He had an opinion about anything and everything and it always amused the world how blissfully ignorant he was of the remarks his comments usually fetched.
Some of his iconic comments include:
“I am kind of a fashion nymphomaniac who never gets an orgasm. I am never satisfied.”
“Fashion is like music. There are so many notes. You need to play around with them. We all have to make our own tune.”
“Never use the word cheap. Today everybody can look chic in inexpensive clothes (the rich buy them too). There is good clothing design on every level today. You can be the chicest thing in the world in a T-shirt and jeans – its up to you.”
“When you make fashion, you have to love fashion. When I see those designers in sneakers and old T-shirts who make dresses at crazy prices, it just seems dishonest to me.”
“I think everyone should go to bed like they have a date at the door.”
When Chanel released the news of Lagerfeld’s passing away the social media was filled with tributes and condolences for the god father of Italian luxury fashion and this just proves how much he was loved and appreciated and how much he clearly will be missed:
BELLA HADID
“Nothing feels right today.at a loss for words and so heartbroken by the loss of Karl. His humor, wit, love and passion for fashion will live on forever. Thank you for the inspiration that you gave to this world and for all of the hearts that you touched in the process. Every time I saw you it felt like the first time & I will miss your hugs so much. I feel so lucky to have been in your presence. Sending my love to the Lagerfeld family and to all closest to him. I am so sorry. We all love you so much .💔 Rest In Peace KL❤️”
DONATELLA VERSACE
“Karl your genius touched the lives of so many, especially Gianni and I. We will never forget your incredible talent and endless inspiration. We were always learning from you.”
MARION COTILLARD
“Dear Karl. Dear maestro. Your Being was so vibrante, your profound kindness, your curiosity of the world and humanity touched me so deeply. What you have left is Alive, Luminous and Bright. The world Genius suits you perfectly. Thank you for the beauty, the humor, the poetry, the authenticity, the excellence, the passion and the love. Thank you for giving so much to France. And to Art. I wish you a wonderful and peaceful journey. With all my love. Marion”
MARC JACOBS
“Waking up to a world without Karl. So sad. And strange. He was a great inspiration to me, and, undeniably a unique and extraordinary talent. RESPECT. Rest In Peace KL.”
KRIS JENNER
“You bought so much beauty, style and grace to this world. Karl, you will forever be a true legend, an icon, an inspiration. It was such a thrill and a pleasure to have met you, to have worked with you, and to have experienced the amazing times when you would photograph my girls for your beautiful campaigns. There will never be another like you, my dear friend, and you will be truly missed. 💔#KarlLagerfeld”
About the Author: Madhumitha Jain is an avid dreamer and a Philomath. She is someone who creates drama with the planned combinations of just the 26 alphabets she knows. She definitely believes in words speaking louder than actions and is an extreme textrovert. She claims to not be a feminist, but she undoubtedly is a proud humanist.
