Lagerfeld, Karl

Lagerfeld, Karl. Born: September 10, 1938 in Hamburg, Germany; immigrated to Paris in 1952. Occupation: Fashion designer and Photographer. Career: Design assistant at Balmain, 1955-58; art director, Patou, 1958-63; freelance designer for Chloe, Krizia, Ballantyne, Timwear, Charles Jourdan, Valentino, Fendi, Cadette, Max Mara and others, from 1964; launched Parfums Lagerfeld, 1975; director of collections and ready-to-wear, Chanel, from 1983; Karl Lagerfeld and KL ready-to-wear firms established in Paris and Germany, 1984; Karl Lagerfeld, S.A. acquired by Chloe parent company, Dunhill Plc. 1992; broke ties with Chloe and Dunhill (part of the Vendome Group), 1997; bought back Karl Lagerfeld S.A., 1997; created fragrances Lagerfeld, for Elizabeth Arden, 1975, Chloe-Lagerfeld, 1978, KL for women, 1983, KL for men, 1984; Lagerfeld Photo, 1990; Sun Moon Stars, 1994; Jako, 1997; Lagerfeld Femme, 2001. He has additionally published a growing collection of photography books, and collaborated with authors, Helmut Lang, Peter Lindbergh, and Madonna. Exhibitions: Karl Lagerfeld: Fotografien, Galerie Hans Mayer, Dusseldorf, 1989.

Born in Hamburg, Germany in 1938, or possibly 1933, Lagerfeld took his first job at age 17 with Balmain. Subsequently he worked for Jean Patou and freelanced for firms including Chloe. He joined Chanel in 1983 where he became director.