Brittanie Karl Lagerfeld was one of the most well known luxury brand designer of the 20th and 21st centuries. On February 19th, Chanel, with who he has been long associated with, announced that he died in Paris.
Although he was 85 years old, he spent the last years of his life doing what he loved to do. Many people in the fashion industry that are his age have retired, but he kept going. In his 80’s he designed an average of 14 collections every year. He has been able to adapt to every trend since he started his career in the 1950’s.
After winning a coat design competition in 1954 he became friends with Yves Saint Laurent and then was later hired by Pierre Balmain. Can you imagine being in your twenties and being hired by one of the most prominent fashion houses known to man? It is clear that this man had something special as soon as he stepped on the scene. In the 1960’s he began freelance designing for many brands. He was then picked up by Fendi to become a creative director and then he was hired my Chanel soon after.
Lagerfeld was one of the most creative souls of the fashion industry. He has touched the lives of so many people in the fashion and entertainment industry. He will be missed, but his work will inspire others forever!
By Brittanie Sturdivant, Sophomore,Open Campus Parsons School of Design
Instagram: B_Slay_S
