Karl Lagerfeld
Born 1933 · Age 92
German fashion designer, photographer, and creative director; long-time creative director of Chanel and Fendi, founder of his eponymous label, prolific collaborator, publisher and photographer.
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Life & Career Timeline
Born in Hamburg, Germany
Karl Otto Lagerfeldt (later spelled Lagerfeld) born to Elisabeth Bahlmann and Otto Lagerfeld in Hamburg.
Reported move to Paris at age 14 (conflicting sources)
Some sources report Lagerfeld moved to Paris aged 14 to pursue fashion (other sources give later dates). Included because multiple biographies reference an early Paris move.
Reported move to Paris (alternative date)
Some authoritative sources (e.g., Britannica) record Lagerfeld moving to Paris in 1952; sources differ on the exact year of his move to Paris.
Wins International Wool Secretariat design prize (coat category)
Won first prize in the coat category at the International Wool Secretariat (International Woolmark Prize), establishing his reputation and leading to industry opportunities.
Hired by Pierre Balmain as assistant/apprentice
After the IWS competition success, Pierre Balmain hired Lagerfeld as an assistant; he worked there for approximately three years.
Becomes artistic director of Jean Patou
Appointed artistic director (also cited as art director) for the French couture house Jean Patou; designed multiple haute couture collections.
Leaves Jean Patou to become freelance designer
Departed Jean Patou and became one of the early high-fashion freelance designers, working for many fashion houses across Europe.
Begins freelancing for Chloé
Started designing collections for Chloé as a freelancer; would maintain a long-term, influential association with the house.
Hired by Fendi to modernize fur line
Began a collaboration with Italian house Fendi to modernize its fur business; introduced new pelts, a ready-to-wear line and the now-famous double F logo. Remained with Fendi for life.
Appointed designer for Chloé
Formally became a designer for Chloé, working alongside founder Gaby Aghion; would become a defining voice for the brand in the 1970s.
Begins relationship with Jacques de Bascher
Started an 18-year relationship with French aristocrat Jacques de Bascher (1971–1989); Lagerfeld later described it as a deep but not sexual love.
Appears in Andy Warhol's film L’Amour
Featured in an Andy Warhol film, parts of which were filmed in Lagerfeld's Paris apartment, reflecting his crossover into broader cultural circles.
Becomes sole designer for Chloé
Took sole creative control at Chloé; his work in the 1970s made him one of the most influential designers internationally.
Launches original Chloé fragrance
Debuted an original scent for Chloé, noted as pioneering because he launched a fragrance while designing for another house and before having his own brand.
Fall 1977 collection acclaimed (Soft Look era)
Presented a celebrated Fall 1977 collection noted for 18th-century references and the Soft Look aesthetic; widely praised in fashion press.
Fall 1979 collection influential (Big-Shoulder era)
Fall 1979 collection influential in the emerging Big Look/shoulder-pad fashion movement; demonstrated Lagerfeld's range and impact.
Appointed creative director of Chanel
Took control of Chanel's creative output (couture, ready-to-wear, accessories), revitalizing the nearly dormant brand and integrating the interlocked CC monogram into modern branding.
Launches eponymous 'Karl Lagerfeld' ready-to-wear label
Founded his own Karl Lagerfeld brand focused on ready-to-wear and 'intellectual sexiness'; later entered licensing/ownership agreements with manufacturers.
Ends Bidermann agreement; launches menswear and label changes
Terminated the licensing agreement with Bidermann Industries USA; launched two Karl Lagerfeld menswear lines; around this period the label was purchased by Cora Revillon Group.
Dunhill (Vendôme Luxury Group) acquires Karl Lagerfeld brand (~$30M)
Dunhill Holdings, part of Vendôme Luxury Group, bought the Karl Lagerfeld brand for an estimated USD 30,000,000; this acquisition coincided with Lagerfeld's return to Chloé.
Publishes photography collection 'Off the Record' (Steidl)
Steidl published Off the Record, a collection of Lagerfeld's photography; marked the beginning of many published photo volumes with the house.
Controversy: Quran verse used in 1994 Chanel couture dresses
Used a verse from the Quran on three dresses in his Spring 1994 couture collection; he publicly apologized and ordered the destruction (burning) of the dresses after protests.
Galerie Gmurzynska begins showing his photography
Zürich-based Galerie Gmurzynska started exhibiting Lagerfeld's photography, elevating his reputation in the art market.
Buys Karl Lagerfeld brand back for symbolic 'one franc'
After the end of his contract with Chloé, Vendôme sold the Karl Lagerfeld brand back to Lagerfeld for one French franc, citing mismanagement; he resumed ownership.
Opens 7L bookshop in Paris
Founded 7L, a Left Bank bookshop specializing in photography and visual arts books, which also stocked volumes produced by him and Editions 7L.
Launches publishing imprint Editions 7L (with Steidl)
Launched Editions 7L in collaboration with Steidl to publish fashion, photography and rare/out-of-print books.
Major weight loss (42 kg) and diet
Lost 42 kg (93 lb) over 13 months on a diet created by Jean-Claude Houdret; later co-wrote The Karl Lagerfeld Diet and promoted it in media appearances.
Lagerfeld Gallery by Diesel collaboration
Collaborated with Renzo Rosso (Diesel) on a limited denim collection sold at Lagerfeld Galleries and Diesel Denim Galleries.
H&M capsule collection collaboration
First high-end designer to collaborate with H&M on a widely publicized, affordably priced capsule collection that sold out rapidly and changed industry collaboration models.
Publication: 'The Karl Lagerfeld Diet' (co-written)
Co-authored The Karl Lagerfeld Diet (with Jean-Claude Houdret), documenting his weight-loss method and lifestyle change.
Documentary 'Lagerfeld Confidential' released; hosts GTA IV radio segment
Rodolphe Marconi's documentary premiered; Lagerfeld also voiced/hosted the fictional radio station K109 in the video game Grand Theft Auto IV and its DLCs.
Steiff produces limited-edition Karl Lagerfeld teddy bear
Steiff produced a Karl Lagerfeld–style teddy bear in an edition of 2,500 units that sold for USD 1,500 each.
Branded novelty products (Lagermouse) and guest voice role
Tra Tutti sold Karl Lagermouse and Karl Lagerfelt mini-figurines; Lagerfeld had a guest voice role in Totally Spies! The Movie.
Couture Council Fashion Visionary Award & Legion of Honor commander (reported)
Received The Couture Council Fashion Visionary Award (FIT) in September; also was reported to receive the Commander's Cross of the Legion of Honor in 2010.
Announces Orrefors crystal collaboration
Announced a collaboration with Swedish crystal manufacturer Orrefors to design an art/crystal collection; first collection launched spring 2011.
Adopted Choupette (Birman cat) gifted by Baptiste Giabiconi
Received a Birman cat, Choupette, from model Baptiste Giabiconi; Choupette later became famous, was left a reported inheritance and was part of Lagerfeld's public image.
Orrefors by Karl Lagerfeld debut (spring 2011)
First Orrefors by Karl Lagerfeld crystal collection launched in spring 2011 following the 2010 collaboration announcement.
Publishes 'The Little Black Jacket' photo book
Released a photography book featuring 113 portraits of entertainers, models and friends wearing Chanel's little black jacket; a high-profile cultural product.
Launch of KARL label with Net-a-Porter
Net-a-Porter launched an affordable KARL line, expanding Lagerfeld's commercial reach into e-commerce and more accessible price points.
Begins publishing political caricatures in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
From 2013, Lagerfeld's political cartoons were regularly published in the major German newspaper, marking his entry into regular political illustration.
Directs short film 'Once Upon a Time...' starring Keira Knightley
Directed a short film about Coco Chanel, featuring Keira Knightley, showing his engagement with film and fashion storytelling.
Palm Beach auction of early sketches and Mattel 'Barbie Lagerfeld' collaboration
Palm Beach Modern Auctions announced sale of earlier sketches; collaborated with Mattel on a Karl Lagerfeld Barbie doll that echoed his signature look.
Receives Outstanding Achievement Award at British Fashion Awards
Honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award at the British Fashion Awards in November 2015; Anna Wintour presented the prize.
Included Choupette in will with reported $1.5M provision
Reports indicated Lagerfeld left approximately USD 1.5 million for the care and maintenance of his cat Choupette in his will (reported 2015).
Design commission for Estates at Acqualina residential lobbies announced
Announced he would design two residential lobbies for the Estates at Acqualina in Sunny Isles Beach, Miami—an expansion of his design work into interiors.
Karlbox collaboration with Faber-Castell
Released the 'Karlbox', a collection of fine artist tools in collaboration with Faber-Castell.
Receives John B. Fairchild Award; awarded Grand Vermeil medal
Received the John B. Fairchild Award from WWD and was awarded Paris's Grand Vermeil medal—major industry and civic recognitions.
Collaborates with Vans on capsule collection
Released a collaborative capsule with Vans featuring sneakers, jackets, hats and backpacks inspired by Lagerfeld's style.
Launches 'Architectures' functional sculpture collection (Carpenters Workshop)
Collaborated with Carpenters Workshop Gallery on Architectures, a line of functional marble sculptures inspired by antiquity and modern mythology.
Final runway appearance for Chanel (Métiers d’Art 2018/19 show)
Walked the runway at Chanel's Métiers d’Art 2018/19 show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art—his last public runway appearance.
Hospitalized with health complications (reported January 2019)
Reported health complications led to decreased public appearances; he missed the typical end-of-show curtain at Chanel's Spring 2019 couture show.
Admitted to American Hospital of Paris
Admitted to the American Hospital of Paris in Neuilly-sur-Seine on 18 February 2019 for health complications.
Death from complications of prostate cancer
Died on 19 February 2019 at the American Hospital of Paris due to complications from prostate cancer; had asked for no formal funeral and planned cremation.
Memorial 'Karl For Ever' at Grand Palais
A 90-minute memorial and career retrospective titled 'Karl For Ever' held at the Grand Palais; 2,500 guests attended and numerous artists performed.
Launch of 'The White Shirt Project' tribute
House of Karl Lagerfeld launched The White Shirt Project celebrating his legacy; seven final designs replicated 77 times and sold for €777 each with proceeds to charity.
Eden Gallery exhibition honoring Lagerfeld
In February 2020 Eden Gallery mounted an exhibition exploring sculptures and paintings inspired by Lagerfeld's work.
Metropolitan Museum retrospective 'Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty'
A major Met exhibition spanning Lagerfeld's six-decade career featured 150+ objects; supported by Chanel, Fendi, Condé Nast and his eponymous brand; Tadao Ando designed the exhibit.
Key Achievement Ages
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