Karl Lagerfeld was unrivaled when it came to mastering monochromatic looks; the designer never appeared anywhere other than wearing stylish black-and-white ensembles.
He was an iconic fashion figure who brought Chanel into existence and created his own namesake line, while maintaining his sense of humor and wit throughout it all.
1. Mix It Up
Karl Lagerfeld was not only a fashion force to be reckoned with; he was also an enjoyable and insightful individual. Always searching for new ways to push his brands forward, and never stopping learning, Lagerfeld read widely – from grand, dense literature to popular magazines and newspapers – and shared his knowledge whenever anyone asked. This approach to life and work contributed immensely to why Karl is revered today.
Lagerfeld’s reign as creative director for Chanel and Fendi is marked by his strong desire for creativity. A master at layering textures, he experimented with different silhouettes. Furthermore, fashion was used by him as an instrument of speaking to contemporary issues; often using references that will still feel timely decades later.
Lagerfeld had an uncanny ability of curating collections with pieces as diverse as gemstones, Oreo cookie colors, fabric rosettes and feathers – yet somehow managed to integrate all into an harmonious whole that gave an illusion that all was designed by one person.
Lagerfeld has created multiple collections for Chanel and Fendi, released a fragrance, launched an affordable women’s clothing line, provided four and a half hours of fashion commentary during the Royal wedding of Prince William to French television, published the complete works of Spinoza, and relaunched his publishing house all while maintaining legendary style and impeccable manners reminiscent of an 18th-century aristocrat.
2. Go High-Low
As a designer, Lagerfeld had an exceptional talent for bringing disparate elements together into one harmonious look, due to his comprehensive knowledge of modern culture that stretched from Frederick the Great through Dali.
He knew how to bring fashion into the modern era, as evidenced by his work. This could be seen when he blended house codes with pop cultural references and always looked forward with optimism.
He used distinctive style elements that set his collections apart, such as large sunglasses and fingerless gloves paired with ponytails – these gave them their own distinct identity and set him apart from his competitors.
Karl Lagerfeld was known for his humorous repartee. As an expert in all areas of fashion, he could offer insight into any topic with ease while dropping an occasional sharp comment.
He had an exceptional ability to make audiences laugh, while remaining calm under pressure. This became particularly clear during backstage interviews after his shows; during these encounters he would give polite responses without showing signs of irritation.
Karl Lagerfeld was an influential fashion figure who embodied many talents. Widely considered to be one of the greatest designers ever, Karl brought boldness and rock-star charisma to the industry and is commonly referred to as “The Godfather of Fashion.” We honor him here with some of his key fashion tips; use these techniques to channel your inner Karl Lagerfeld – soon you’ll be rocking all your favorite looks like Karl himself!
3. Add Statement Accessories
As Karl Lagerfeld often did, one way to channel your inner Lagerfeld is with statement accessories. He loved adding unique Chrome Hearts pieces into his looks for added toughness; and this Karl Lagerfeld Paris Gabrielle Bandeau One-Piece Swimsuit from Karl Lagerfeld Paris Gabrielle Bandeau One-Piece Swimsuit will do exactly that! Pair it with an eye-catching sunhat and sunglasses to complete the look that is sure to turn heads.
One year since Karl Lagerfeld’s passing, he remains an icon and influencer in fashion. Known as an award-winning designer for Chanel, Fendi and his own label as well as being an accomplished photographer and art collector – Karl modernized Chanel’s iconic tweed suits and house codes to appeal to today’s generation while simultaneously launching ready-to-wear lines at Fendi and himself – among his many accomplishments during his seventy year career.
Lagerfeld had an impeccable track record in discovering and nurturing young models such as Ines de la Fressange, Claudia Schiffer, Stella Tennant, Cara Delevingne, Lily-Rose Depp and Baptiste Giabiconi – many of whom became regular fixtures at his shows and public events, red carpet events or editorial shoots over time. His muses became regular fixtures at these occasions too and have since become mainstays on both frontlines of fashion as well editorial shoots.
As you prepare to attend the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute’s 2023 exhibition dedicated to Lagerfeld, channel your inner designer! Here are some excellent styling tips you can use to channel his personal style! From his trademark black leather gloves and fur coats, to his love of hats and large sunglasses – you’ll find endless ways that his signature fashion can influence your own. As Lagerfeld said himself: ‘Fashion is a language created through clothes which interpret reality.” So let’s get shopping – stylish people are constantly looking out for new trends!
4. Don’t Be Afraid To Mix Materials
Lagerfeld may be best known for his iconic black suits and accessories, but he was an expert at mixing textures. He frequently combined different materials such as leather with lace or embellishments with soft fabrics like tulle or knits for an eye-catching and unusual style. Try mixing some of your favorite textures for a truly distinctive style in your next look.
Lagerfeld was an indomitable fashion force. His ability to anticipate trends and identify emerging fashion moments was unparalleled; indeed it would be impossible for us to list just one or two of his amazing fashion moments here.
One of his more evocative statements was, “Fashion is all about change; therefore we shouldn’t fear its transformation”.
While some might view him as having a mean streak (he famously called Lindsay Lohan “a bitch”), most often he simply expresses himself freely and doesn’t shy away from sharing his opinions – often making controversial statements seem nonthreatening and natural.
H&M recently came under attack from Gaga for expanding their collection to accommodate sizes 14-16; she said his clothes should only be available to “slim and slender people.”
He has an uncanny talent for making his own style seem cool and trendy, which is why so many men want to copy him. A true trendsetter, he is known for wearing black suits adorned with shiny accessories and often adds gloves or oversized sunglasses as extra flare for his outfits – wear dark shades with your white suit, pair jeans with leather jacket or add gloves for even more flair!
5. Be Confident
Behind his dark sunglasses, polished suits and flawless hair was an amazingly kind and generous individual who was hilariously funny; not to mention intelligent and well-read; his friends knew they could discuss any topic from politics to philosophy without losing interest in either.
Idolizing him comes naturally. His talent was unique among fashion designers of his generation and self-educated beyond compare; his charismatic presence was infectiously positive and infectiously entertaining – his joy of life infectious as well.
While developing Chanel and Fendi, he never lost sight of his own aesthetic. His signature look consisted of pairing an asymmetrical tailored jacket with classic jeans – this combination created a cool, effortless look which could easily be recreated.
He was an expert at layering up, often adding a chic leather trench coat as the final touch to any ensemble. Pearls, hats or scarves often completed his look for added elegance.
Though he enjoyed showing his sense of style, he took care to not exceed the boundaries of vulgarity. He constantly monitored himself to make sure he did not cross them.
