“I’m very much down to earth, just not this earth.”
― Karl Lagerfeld
Karl Lagerfeld, the genius mind behind the megabrands Chanel, Fendi, and Chloe, and one of the most well-known personalities in the fashion industry, has passed away at the age of 85.
A notable absence at his Chanel Haute Couture show in Paris (due to health issues) this past January 22, 2019, hinted at an anomaly, and by the morning of February 19, the fashion world was shaken and jolted upside down when the news of his death was released.
“The longest fashion journey ended today,” wrote Vogue Paris on their Instagram account. “Karl Lagerfeld has died, taking with him more than half a century of visionary fashion. A self-taught master, he referred to himself as a “complete improvisation.” He was a liberated and creative spirit who followed only his instincts, which never failed him.
Rare are those who succeed in infusing such imagination and panache into their work. The icon will be remembered for his formidable humor, his talent for mastering languages other than fashion and for being a straight talker.”
Conceiving 14 collections a year, (Chanel, Fendi, Chloe, Lagerfeld, and more) Lagerfeld was a legend in his field, being able to juggle between brands and inspirations seamlessly; each of them standing on their own, season after season, decade after decade, without every crossing referential paths with one another. Lagerfeld not only reinvented Chanel after Coco Chanel, but he also devised the iconic CC turnlock plus the chain and leather strap combination on the famous 2.55 bag. What is Chanel without Karl? If Celine’s transformation with Hedi Slimane on board as creative head can be used as an example for learning grounds, we can conclude that the house of Chanel might not ever be the same after this.
It is reported that Virginie Viard, director of creative studio of the house, will take his place.
The book “The World According to Karl,” released in 2013, is a collection of witty quotes by the famous designer, which quickly became part of pop culture due to their harsh honesty and witty sarcasm. Check some of our favorite ones below.
“I am a living label. My name is Labelfeld not Lagerfeld.”
“Trendy is the last stage before tacky.”
“I am a kind of fashion nymphomaniac who never gets an orgasm.”
“Normally, I don’t recommend me for wedding dresses – they all get a divorce.”
“When I was younger I wanted to be a caricaturist. In the end, I’ve become a caricature.”
“When I was four I asked my mother for a valet for my birthday.”
“If I were interested in children, I would be a godfather.”
“I think tattoos are horrible. It’s like living in a Pucci dress full-time. If you’re young and tight, maybe it’s OK, but…”
“I don’t go to movie theatres because I don’t want to be photographed by strangers. People bother me wherever I go. I like to imagine the world my way. I don’t want second-rate images of the world.”
Rest in Peace, Karl. You will be deeply missed.