Karl Lagerfeld Biography

Karl Lagerfeld

Known as “King Karl,” Karl Lagerfeld may have stolen as many scenes with his silver ponytail, fluttering fan, and infamous temper as he has with his celebrated designs. Lagerfeld won his first fashion competition at the age of fourteen in Paris, joined Balmain in 1959, and became artistic director of Patou in 1962. Throughout the 1960s he was ubiquitous, designing for such prestigious labels as Chloé, Fendi, and Krizia. He is credited with revitalizing the legendary House of Chanel, for which he became artistic director in 1983, and debuted his elegant line in 1984. Lagerfeld has designed costumes for many films, including My First Love (1978), Babette's Feast (1987), and Catwalk (1995), and exhibited his photographs in Europe and New York City.