Mini-Bio: Karl Lagerfeld

Karl Lagerfeld is a famous fashion designer of German descent. The multitude of talents of this fashion icon – designer, photographer, publisher and film director – is exemplary. He is the mastermind of designs behind countless collections. Lagerfeld has a very impressive bibliography. His favorite material is paper; his trademarks – white hair and black glasses.

Karl received his education in Paris, majoring in drawing and history. He started working for Pierre Balmain in 1955 after winning a design competition. Three years later, he joined Jean Patou to design haute couture collections. There were both ups and downs; some of his designs – like very short skirts for spring 1960 – were not well received. In five years he moved on, to design for Tiziani. The customers who favored the label included Doris Duke, Gina Lollobrigida and Elizabeth Taylor. In parallel, Lagerfeld also freelanced for Chloé. Since the 1970s, from time to time he was involved in theatrical projects for La Scala, the Burgtheater and the Salzburg Festival as a costume designer. In 1972 he begins his collaboration with Fendi and designs furs, clothing and accessories.

By the 1980s Lagerfeld becomes a big star in the fashion world. In 1984 he launches his own label – Karl Lagerfeld – built around his idea of "intellectual sexiness." He also continues to design for various brands. Not just one or two, but many. Clothing, accessories, toys, crystal art, you name it. In 1999 he opens his bookshop, a year later – his publishing company.

Mass market is also not an issue. In 2011 he launched a collection based on a new concept – ready-to-wear products for masses fused with high quality and luxury – "mass elitism."

He loves photography and cannot imagine his life without it. He shoots the advertising campaigns for the products he designed. Many of his works were published in various magazines and specialized publications.

His track record is very hard to match, yet all the successes he achieved are never enough. "What I really like is what I've never done before," he says.