Focus On - Karl Lagerfeld

Karl Lagerfeld

(Chanel Spring/Summer RTW 2011 Show at the Grand Palais)

• In 1955, Lagerfeld was awarded a position as an apprentice at Pierre Balmain after winning second place, behind Yves Saint-Laurent 
• In 1958 he moved to Jean Patou where he gained couture experience 
• In 1963, he began designing for Tiziani, a Roman couture house founded that year by Evan Richards 
• In 1964, Lagerfeld began to freelance for French fashion house Chloé. 
• He then joined Fendi, but still worked with Chloé. His 1972 Deco collection for Chloé attracted worldwide acclaim. 
• In 1983, he became the head designer for Chanel. 
• In 1984, he created his own line Karl Lagerfeld.

(Toni Garrn in Fendi Spring/Summer 2009 Ready-to-Wear)

I have a lot of respect for Karl Lagerfeld. The fact that he is the head designer for three major fashion houses says a lot about him. He is constantly producing multiple collections for each season and the thing I find so fascinating is that he work never mixes. What I mean by that is he is able to keep a distinctive style for each collection he produces, you will never mistake a Chanel collection for a Fendi collection. He is so creative and does so much, he is a great artist and this is evident in his work as a designer and a photographer.

(Anna Selezneva in Karl Lagerfeld Spring/Summer 2009Ready-to-Wear)

Picking my favourite Karl Lagerfeld collection was difficult because I could not decide whether I wanted a Chanel collection or a Fendi collection or a Lagerfeld collection. I really had a hard time with this one so rather than picking my favourite collection I decided to go with a more recent collection that I really liked. That is the Chanel Spring/ Summer 2012 collection everything was so beautiful, elements of classic Chanel with a twist what more could you ask for?