KARL LAGERFELD: THE ICONIC DESIGNER WHO TRANSFORMED CHANEL
In 1982, the fashion world witnessed a seismic shift when Karl Lagerfeld joined the house of Chanel as creative director. At the time, the brand had lost its innovative edge and was seen as a relic of a bygone era. Lagerfeld, who was also working for Chloé and Fendi, recognised that Chanel needed more than just a cosmetic facelift. He undertook the daunting task of reinventing the iconic brand, and in the process, transformed the fashion industry and culture.
Lagerfeld's genius was in his ability to honour Chanel's heritage while simultaneously breaking the rules. He immersed himself in all things Chanel, becoming intimately familiar with the brand's signature elements, such as the tweed suit, the little black dress, and the camellia. Creating the double-C logo, one of the most recognisable logos in the world, and reintroduced the use of golden chains, which were originally used to weigh down jackets and later became popular as belts and bag chains.
Lagerfeld's impact on Chanel was not just visual. He transformed the way the brand was perceived, making it more accessible and inclusive. He introduced ready-to-wear collections and expanded the brand into new markets. This helped to cement Chanel's status as one of the most influential fashion houses in the world ushering in a new era of luxury fashion.
Today, Lagerfeld's legacy lives on at Chanel. The brand continues to be a symbol of luxury and sophistication, and Lagerfeld's contributions to its reinvention are still evident in every collection. His impact on Chanel and the fashion industry cannot be overstated, and his innovative approach to design and creative direction continues to influence designers around the world.
Lagerfeld's genius was in his ability to honour Chanel's heritage while simultaneously breaking the rules. He immersed himself in all things Chanel, becoming intimately familiar with the brand's signature elements, such as the tweed suit, the little black dress, and the camellia. Creating the double-C logo, one of the most recognisable logos in the world, and reintroduced the use of golden chains, which were originally used to weigh down jackets and later became popular as belts and bag chains.
Lagerfeld's impact on Chanel was not just visual. He transformed the way the brand was perceived, making it more accessible and inclusive. He introduced ready-to-wear collections and expanded the brand into new markets. This helped to cement Chanel's status as one of the most influential fashion houses in the world ushering in a new era of luxury fashion.
Today, Lagerfeld's legacy lives on at Chanel. The brand continues to be a symbol of luxury and sophistication, and Lagerfeld's contributions to its reinvention are still evident in every collection. His impact on Chanel and the fashion industry cannot be overstated, and his innovative approach to design and creative direction continues to influence designers around the world.
