Research topic: Karl Lagerfeld

Karl Lagerfeld (Karl Otto Lagerfeld), 1938-, German fashion designer, b. Hamburg, immigrated with his family to Paris in 1952. He won a fashion award at 16, designed for couturiers Pierre Balmain (1954-58) and Jean Patou (1958-63), then freelanced for Fendi, Krizia, and Valentino and designed for Chloé (1959-78; 1992-97). In 1982 he was appointed head designer at Chanel, where he revamped the classic Chanel suit into chic updated versions, using offbeat colors and such materials as denim and leather; reinvented the double C logo; accessorized with heaps of gold chain and pearls; and a... Read more