The iconic Karl Lagerfeld passed away yesterday at the tender age of 85, leaving the fashion world in mourning. While he was widely known as creative director of Chanel, which he held for 35 years, he had a very extensive career before Chanel came knocking on his door. Lagerfeld worked as Balmain’s assistant where he later became an apprentice for three years. After being the artistic director for Jean Patou, Karl would end up in Rome where be freelanced for Chloe, Valentino and would eventually be hired as creative director of furs and leather goods at Fendi, a role in which he held until his passing.
Though he was controversial at times, Anna Wintour has even walked out of one of his shows due to him glamorizing strippers, he, his black and white ensembles and white pony tail will be missed.
I’m interested to see what his predecessor, Virginie Viard, will create with the brand. For the past few seasons, Chanel has been lackluster for many, so much that it’s fallen out of the top 10 most shopper and googled brands.
