Karl Lagerfeld: A Life In Fashion

A look back at the master of chic

- Annah Fairservice

On 19 February, the house of Chanel released the shattering news that it’s legendary creative director, Karl Lagerfeld, had passed away aged 85, just weeks before he was due to showcase his Autumn/Winter ’19 collection at Paris Fashion Week.

Within minutes, the stream of tributes started to flood social media as a legion of celebrities, models, editors and fellow designers shared their devotion and devastation upon hearing that the visionary designer, artist and photographer had died.

A small and intimate ceremony was held in Nanterre, near Paris, a few days after the announcement. Chanel-clad guests such as Anna Wintour, supermodel Natalia Vodianova and members of the Monégasque royal family flocked to bid farewell to the man who was widely regarded as one of the most prolific and influential designers of our time.

Born in Germany, Lagerfeld moved to Paris as a teenager where, aged 21, he entered the 1954 International Wool Secretariat competition and won in the coat category, alongside fellow winner Yves Saint Laurent. The recognition landed him a job assisting renowned designer Pierre Balmain, where he stayed for a handful of years before moving to Jean Patou to head up the couture division.