Karl Lagerfeld, born as Karl Otto Lagerfeld on September 10, 1933. Lagerfeld is recognized as one of the more influential fashion designers of the late 20th century. He has collaborated with a variety of different fashion labels, with Chloe, Fendi and Chanel the most notable.
In 1952 he went to Paris with the ambition to become a fashion designer. In 1954 Lagerfeld started working for Pierre Balmain, and then moved to the house of Patou in 1958. He began freelancing for Chloe in Paris in 1964, which would become one of his most important positions. In 1972 he began his long collaboration with Fendi, designing furs, clothing and accessories. In 1982, Lagerfeld left Chloe and took the position of chief executive of design at the House of Chanel. Although he continued to design for Chanel, Lagerfeld established his own fashion house in 1984 and resumed designing for Chloe in 1992. The engagement with Chloe ended in 1997, when design at Chloe was took over by ex-Beatle Paul's daughter Stella McCartney. Lagerfeld currently designs for three companies: his own label, Chanel, and furs for Fendi of Italy.
His signature line, developed from sketches, features very structural and dramatic women's wear, mostly in black and white. He featured the "Wunderbra" and the "Wundercorset" in 1994.
Lagerfeld is also an avid photographer and often shoots his own press photos. His personal trademarks include a long ponytail for his powdered-white hair, and dark sunglasses. He is a uniquely confident man and speaks German, French, English, and Italian.
Lagerfeld is a member of Chambre Syndicale du Pret-a-Porter in Paris.
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