Karl Lagerfeld has died. The fashion world is mourning for its last great master. The man who loved to sit in his studio in the rue Chambon 31 in Paris with his cat, Choupette – who had his own maid, so that the sweet kitty never had to want for anything. Interviews with Karl Lagerfeld were exhausting for journalists and not easy for the audience. The Chanel designer was sharp-tongued, quick-witted, very intelligent, sarcastic and often moody. A superficial chat was a waste of his precious time. He wanted to say something important, convey a message, and be cheered and celebrated for his eccentricities.
Figurative Figure?
He was vain, the world-famous fashion designer who grew up in Hamburg and made his career in Paris. So vain, that at the age of 65 he lost 42 kilograms. In his opinion, his neck was now so wrinkled that he could endure the sight of it only with a white patricidal collar. The sunglasses helped conceal the dark circles under his eyes.
Lagerfeld did not like aging, the esthete, who once said in an interview that he disposed of his clothes after a single use. Whether or not you believe Charles’s diva attitude, the creative artist, the meticulous genius, the workhorse, knew how to create and sustain a myth about his person. Although he often stressed that he was not a fake figure, he did everything to be considered glamorous and as hovering above the vile concerns of the world.
He did not let himself go with age – neither visually nor mentally. And Karl Lagerfeld expected the same from his fellow men. He said: “Who loses control of his life?” And was of the opinion: “Two weeks on the beach will only make you stupid.” Women lounging slinkily on the couch were not Lagerfeld’s type and he made it no secret. On the contrary, elegance, style, personality and glamor were his world.
A world he made accessible to women with his fashion for Chanel, Fendi and his own brand. The handmade lace dresses, the coveted handbags, the sparkling jewelry – presented by the most beautiful women in the world. Chanel is the symbol of style and luxury. International. Incomparable and unmistakable. Thanks to Karl. Thanks to a man who loved and celebrated the beauty. But also became the anti-hero of today.
Working against the Zeitgeist
His shows for Chanel cost millions. In 2018, he had felled real trees for his fashion show, which upset conservationists. Through his harsh comments about many a model and her figure, he was criticized by the Body Positivity crowd.
Sustainability and acceptance of one’s own decay, that was not for Karl. Until the end, he upheld his image, not even allowing himself to be seen at his last show for Chanel. He was too ill and perhaps too vain to present himself weakened to the celebrity audience and his fashion underlings. Certainly, the director of the fashion circus did not want to see a sickly photograph in the paper.
Whether one liked him or not, Karl Lagerfeld will remain in the collective memory as one of the most important fashion designers of all time. He has worked for Fendi since 1965 and for Chanel since 1983. He dressed princesses, celebrities, high society – even the young It bloggers loved his creations. Even marriage in Chanel was possible for affluent ladies. Lagerfeld created a wedding dress for each collection, which was always the crowning glory of the fashion show.
Not just the Fashion World in Mourning
The maitre of fashion died on February 19th 2019 at 85 years old in the hospital. He suffered from pancreatic cancer. His coworkers, family and friends are in deep sadness. On Instagram, the number of condolences on his page are in the thousands.
Fashion editors, models, TV stars and personalities from the music industry, such as Rihanna, Madonna and Lady Gaga, find warm and true words for their King Karl. Black hearts wherever your eyes go. Even his cat, Choupette, says goodbye to her “Daddy” on her own Instagram profile (created by Charles’s PR lady a few years ago). That would have amused Karl.
And as for us? We send him off with tears in one eye and a smile in the other. He and Coco Chanel, who now watch over the good style in heaven together, where it now perhaps smells faintly like Chanel No. 5. Cheers, Karl! A la mode, monsieur. You will be missed.
Photo: Pinterest