Karl Lagerfeld, Iconic Fashion Designer, Dead At 85

Today, on February 19, 2019, the world of fashion has suffered an irreparable loss, as the pioneer fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld has dies in Paris at the age of 85. Let’s take a close look at Lagerfeld’s brilliant career and most iconic looks!


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1. Early life and career

Karl Lagerfeld was born under a name of Karl Otto Lagerfeldt in 1933 in Germany. From a young age, he knew his passion was designing clothes, which is why he moved to Paris, the internationally acclaimed fashion capital, as soon as he had the opportunity.

In Paris, Karl Lagerfeld worked for a variety of renowned brands, including Pierre Balmain, Fendi, and Chloe. His career steadily progressed throughout the 1960s and 1970s until he reached his peak by joining Chanel.

Karl Lagerfeld

2. Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel

A decade after the brand founder Coco Chanel died, Karl Lagerfeld joined the fashion house in 1983. There he applied his vision to Chanel’s classic designs, returning Chanel to its rightful place as a fashion brand everyone adored.

Perhaps, the best known accomplishment of Karl Lagerfeld as Chanel was his rethinking of the classic tweed suit. With Karl’s innovative approach, the tweed suit once again became a trendy and coveted piece of clothing for established connoisseurs and young fashionistas.

Karl Lagerfeld

As Karl Lagerfeld was working for Chanel, he also developed his signature look and attitude. When you hear his name, you instantly picture the designer in his dark suits, tinted sunglasses, jewelry, and with a platinum blonde ponytail.

Karl was also known for his fascination with young celebrities and youth culture. He was always inspired by a new muse, from Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss to Cara Delevingne, Kristen Stewart, and Willow Smith.

Karl Lagerfeld

3. Karl Lagerfeld’s 5 iconic designs

The contribution of Karl Lagerfeld to the world of fashion is so incredible that it’s impossible to list every achievement he had in the industry. Instead, we picked 5 of his well-known designs.

As a man who had worn some of the most fabulous suits, Karl Lagerfeld also loved designing menswear-inspired looks for women, like this fierce number from the 1990s.

Karl Lagerfeld

One of the oldest traditions of Karl’s fashion shows was the wedding wear part. His wedding gown designs were diverse, eye-catching, sometimes controversial, but never boring.

Karl Lagerfeld

Different variations of the iconic tweed suit were among the things that made Karl Lagerfeld famous in the first place, so there was always a new version of the suit to admire at Karl’s runway shows.

Karl Lagerfeld

Karl Lagerfeld was known for diverse approach to fashion – it seems like there is no style he hasn’t successfully tried. This dreamy pink floral gown is both unexpected for Lagerfeld and very up his street.

Karl Lagerfeld

Naomi Campbell was one of Karl Lagerfeld’s muses and had the honour of rocking many of the designer’s outfits. This textured coat dress is perfect for Naomi’s personality and impossible to miss.

Karl Lagerfeld

4. Celebrities react to Karl Lagerfeld’s death

Karl Lagerfeld was such a groundbreaking figure in the fashion industry that hundreds of fellow designers, models, and celebrities are mourning his death on social media.

So incredibly sad to hear this. Karl was a genius and always so kind and generous to me both personally and professionally. RIP 💔x vb

638.6k Likes, 4,533 Comments – Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham) on Instagram: “So incredibly sad to hear this. Karl was a genius and always so kind and generous to me both…”

Karl Lagerfeld

Iman Abdulmajid on Twitter

The end of an era! RIP Karl Lagerfeld #KarlLagerfeld

“Evolution is the secret for the next step” – rest in peace, Karl Lagerfeld ❤

796k Likes, 2,588 Comments – David Beckham (@davidbeckham) on Instagram: “”Evolution is the secret for the next step” – rest in peace, Karl Lagerfeld ❤”

Antonio Banderas on Twitter

Fashion world loses one of its most influential designer. Thanks for the talent. RIP #KarlLagerfeld


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My name is Inna. I am a content writer with an English and literature background. As a mother of a 4-year old son, I love learning about children’s health and development, as well as finding new interesting toys and activities for my little one. I am also in love with all things tech and always keep my finger on the pulse of new smartphone and gadget releases. Another big passion of mine is beauty and makeup – every day I read about new trends in skin care and makeup and always look forward to trying them. Plus, I love pop culture, travelling, crafts, and anything that can make our daily life more thrilling!