What made Karl Lagerfeld so renownED?

Becoming one of the biggest names in fashion, Karl Lagerfeld gained notoriety for working with some of the most luxurious fashion houses throughout his career, such as Balmain, Fendi, Chanel and Chloe. He wore the same uniform over the years donning a black suit, sunglasses and his signature white ponytail, with his partner in crime feline, Choupette right by his side everywhere he went. With a barbie doll made after him as well as limited-edition diet coke bottles made in his honor, Karl Lagerfeld was a man who made fashion history.

With an eye for design, he was hired by Fendi in 1967, which eventually earned him the role as creative director for their modern fur line and ready-to-wear collection. This prestigious role of collaboration between a designer and fashion house became known as one of the longest in history, having kept this title up until his death. What made Lagerfeld even more legendary, was that for 36 years he simultaneously held the role with Fendi as well becoming creative director for Chanel in 1983. By working for Chanel, he saved the brand from bankruptcy and made it into one of the most recognizable and luxurious brands of all time. Not only was he a creative director for two of the biggest fashion houses out there, he created his very own brand, Karl Lagerfeld beginning in 1984.

Never one shy to controversy, Lagerfeld had no problem not playing by the rules and because of this, he sparked controversy through comments, designs and many of his runway shows. As early as the 1960s, he created chaos by creating one of the shortest mini skirts of the season. He even went as far as hiring adult film star, Moana Pozzi to model one of his designs in the SS93 Fendi runway show, leaving Vogue editor, Anna Wintour to walk out mid show, causing a rift in their friendship. His most recent controversy to date was in 2013 when he closed a Chanel haute couture show with two women holding hands in wedding dresses, symbolizing his support for same sex marriage. Having and expressing such strong opinions, his comments would land him in deep trouble, but he never cared. He was a legend and he knew it.

If anyone knew how to put on a show, it was the man himself. When it came to the runway, nothing was ever too extravagant. He built a super market. He recreated a man-made beach. He brought over a 30-foot iceberg from Scandinavia to Tokyo and he even had models walk on the Great Wall of China and the Trevi Fountain. He also became known as the “founder of supermodels” as he was known to cast rising talent for many of his runway shows. Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Kate Moss, Cara Delevinge, and the Hadid sisters have all credited their status to Lagerfeld. These women were his muses and they eventually went on to become some of the biggest supermodels in fashion history.  Having just passed weeks prior, Chanel’s FW2019 was the final collection under his direction. As one of the perfect goodbye’s to the late designer, the show was a tribute to his career, bringing tears to the attendees and models. With an impressive resume under his belt, Karl Lagerfeld became one of the biggest, most recognizable names in fashion.

Take a look at some of his most iconic runway moments from over the years.