In Memory of Karl

As the fashion industry awaits the upcoming Met Gala and exhibition “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” it’s a fitting time to reflect on the legendary designer’s remarkable legacy. Lagerfeld’s last collection for Chanel, presented in March 2019, was a breathtaking tribute to his love for beauty, craftsmanship, and innovation. The following collections are just a glimpse of Lagerfeld’s immense talent and creative vision. The Met Gala is one of the most anticipated events in the fashion calendar, and Lagerfeld’s influence on fashion is sure to be felt throughout the evening. In this post, The Impression takes a look at Lagerfeld’s last collections before his passing.

The exhibition will showcase Lagerfeld’s groundbreaking contributions to the fashion industry over his six-decade-long career and his lasting influence on the world of design. It will feature a wide range of Lagerfeld’s work, including pieces from his time at Chanel, Fendi, and other fashion houses, as well as selections from his photography, painting, and sculpture. Undoubtedly, the exhibition will showcase Lagerfeld’s incredible work ethic and keen eye for detail, making him a true visionary. His influence on the fashion world cannot be overstated.

While his passing was a great loss to the fashion industry and the world at large, Lagerfeld’s talent, creativity, and unique vision will continue to inspire future generations of designers and artists. As Lagerfeld once said, “The best thing to do is dive with your imagination – You can never drown yourself.” His example of pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation will live on through the Met exhibition of his work. Karl Lagerfeld, the iconic fashion designer and artist, has left an indelible mark on the fashion world that will never be forgotten; he revolutionized the fashion world in many ways, including:

Chanel’s Reinvention–
In the world of fashion, few designers have left as indelible a mark on a brand as Karl Lagerfeld did on Chanel. When he took over as creative director in the 1980s, the brand was struggling to stay relevant, having lost its way since the passing of its founder, Coco Chanel. Lagerfeld’s reinvention of the brand was both revolutionary and polarizing, as he combined classic Chanel elements with contemporary twists to create a look that was both timeless and modern.

One of Lagerfeld’s most significant contributions was the introduction of the interlocking Cs logo, which became a symbol of the brand’s new, revitalized aesthetic. He also reimagined the Chanel silhouette, adding padding to the shoulder, shortening the skirt, and raising the heel, all of which were controversial moves at the time. However, his ability to tap into the historical revivals of the 1980s, combined with his keen artistic vision, quickly won over fashion insiders and consumers alike.

Through his designs, Lagerfeld’s love for art and culture was always evident. He often drew inspiration from various artistic movements, and his designs were a reflection of his artistic sensibility. Lagerfeld was not just a fashion designer but an artist in every sense of the word, and his contribution to the fashion industry, particularly at Chanel, will never be forgotten.

High-Low Fashion Collaborations–
Lagerfeld was a pioneer in the world of high-low fashion collaborations, partnering with mass-market retailers like H&M to create collections that made high fashion accessible to a wider audience. He paved the way for other luxury designers to follow suit, democratizing fashion. Lagerfeld also collaborated with brands outside of the fashion world, such as Faber-Castell and Diet Coke, which is a trend that continues today. His multifaceted collaboration with Pharrell Williams at Chanel, which included campaigns, runway appearances, co-designing a capsule, and even a theme song, exemplifies his innovative approach. Williams’ recent appointment as creative director of Louis Vuitton Men’s is another indication of Lagerfeld’s ongoing influence on the industry.

Fashion Show Extravaganzas–
Lagerfeld’s runway shows for Chanel were not just fashion events but immersive experiences that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in fashion. He transformed traditional locations into elaborate sets and used technology to create otherworldly atmospheres, like projecting virtual waterfalls onto the runway. Lagerfeld’s shows were must-attend events for celebrities and fashion insiders alike, setting a high-water mark for the way contemporary brands use the runway not just as a space to show clothes but as world-building devices and content engines.