The Death of an Icon
Jalen Hendrix
Jalen Hendrix
Death is one of the saddest conflicts a human has to deal with. Family members, friends, and fans, all feel the impact of the death of someone they love. It is especially heart felt when the person has impacted the world. When that person is credited with launching the careers of those who have also made an impact and much more it is an immense feeling of loss. Karl Lagerfeld was one of those people. Lagerfeld is credited with launching the careers of models like Naomi Campbell and Cara Delevingne, both of which have been involved in major charities and activism. Lagerfeld, famed fashion designer and creative director of Chanel and Fendi, was pronounced dead at the age of 85 last Tuesday.
Karl Otto Lagerfeld was born September 10, 1933 in Hamburg, Germany. As a young boy Lagerfeld was very mature. He stated that he never played with children and always kept to himself. His hobbies included reading and sketching, and he never caused trouble. He had a very good relationship with his mother, but did not care much for his father. At a young age of 17 he moved to Paris to finish school. He was always drawn to Parisian artists and claims the only reason he continued going to school was for him to learn French. While in France in 1955, he entered a coat designing contest and won first prize.
He became a close companion with future designer Yves Saint Laurent. Laurent placed third in the competition. Soon after he was hired by Pierre Balmain who was the founder of the Balmain fashion house. Balmain took him under his wing as a protege and Lagerfeld also worked as his assistant for three years. After the three years were up, Lagerfeld worked for other labels such as Jean Patou, Charles Jourdan, Krizia, and Valentino. In 1967 he became the creative director of Fendi and is credited for modernizing and introducing new kinds of furs.
After working for these many companies, he caught the attention of the owner of the Chanel fashion house in 1983. That same year he was appointed creative director. Sophomore Hamza Saeedia comments, “ Chanel wasn’t dead or anything but he adapted it into a way where it fits into the fashion world today without messing it up.” During this time in the 1980s Chanel had sort of lost its shine. After the death of its founder, Coco Chanel, over ten years prior, Chanel was suffering. Lagerfeld is known for making the famous “CC” logo popular by adding it to more products rather than just the handbags.
Lagerfeld also found success under his own name by creating an eponymous lifestyle brand featuring his signature as the logo. Many celebrities have worn his clothes especially at big events-most recently the Oscars. Lisa Bonet and Jason Momoa wore custom Chanel to pay tribute to Karl this past Sunday at the show. Other celebrities payed tribute online, posting throwback photos on Instagram and Twitter. Karl Lagerfeld is one of fashion’s pioneers, creating daring looks and making iconic fashion shows. He is sure to go down in history as one of the best designers ever.
Karl Otto Lagerfeld was born September 10, 1933 in Hamburg, Germany. As a young boy Lagerfeld was very mature. He stated that he never played with children and always kept to himself. His hobbies included reading and sketching, and he never caused trouble. He had a very good relationship with his mother, but did not care much for his father. At a young age of 17 he moved to Paris to finish school. He was always drawn to Parisian artists and claims the only reason he continued going to school was for him to learn French. While in France in 1955, he entered a coat designing contest and won first prize.
He became a close companion with future designer Yves Saint Laurent. Laurent placed third in the competition. Soon after he was hired by Pierre Balmain who was the founder of the Balmain fashion house. Balmain took him under his wing as a protege and Lagerfeld also worked as his assistant for three years. After the three years were up, Lagerfeld worked for other labels such as Jean Patou, Charles Jourdan, Krizia, and Valentino. In 1967 he became the creative director of Fendi and is credited for modernizing and introducing new kinds of furs.
After working for these many companies, he caught the attention of the owner of the Chanel fashion house in 1983. That same year he was appointed creative director. Sophomore Hamza Saeedia comments, “ Chanel wasn’t dead or anything but he adapted it into a way where it fits into the fashion world today without messing it up.” During this time in the 1980s Chanel had sort of lost its shine. After the death of its founder, Coco Chanel, over ten years prior, Chanel was suffering. Lagerfeld is known for making the famous “CC” logo popular by adding it to more products rather than just the handbags.
Lagerfeld also found success under his own name by creating an eponymous lifestyle brand featuring his signature as the logo. Many celebrities have worn his clothes especially at big events-most recently the Oscars. Lisa Bonet and Jason Momoa wore custom Chanel to pay tribute to Karl this past Sunday at the show. Other celebrities payed tribute online, posting throwback photos on Instagram and Twitter. Karl Lagerfeld is one of fashion’s pioneers, creating daring looks and making iconic fashion shows. He is sure to go down in history as one of the best designers ever.
