Who is Karl Lagerfeld? He is considered to be one of the most controversial fashion icons in Hollywood, and thus we were shocked to see this year’s Met Gala paying tribute to the man in all kinds of ways.
While young fashion critics critique his careless way of discussing and projecting women in fashion, some regard him as a shapeshifting legend in the fashion industry. The theme for the Met Gala was kept under wraps, and when it became public, it shocked fans as it honored the late fashion entrepreneur Karl Lagerfeld with the theme- Karl: A Line of Beauty.
The fashion maestro passed away four years ago. But who is Karl Lagerfeld? And why is his being the theme such a big deal this year? This post will help the readers out if they don’t know much about the fashion mogul or why he is controversial.
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Who is Karl Lagerfeld?
Karl Lagerfeld was a renowned fashion designer whose career lasted more than seven decades. He was the most renowned and esteemed fashion designer, and he passed away on February 19, 2019, at the age of 85.
Karl Lagerfeld, who was born in Hamburg, Germany, in early 1933, served as the artistic director of the French fashion business Chanel from 1983 until his passing in 2004. Additionally, he was appointed artistic director of an Italian fur and leather goods manufacturer named Fendi.
In addition, the designer, who came from an affluent family, founded his own brand. His distinctive appearances, which he wore at important fashion events, such as his white hair, black glasses, fingerless protective gloves, and high-baked and detachable harnesses, set him apart from the competition.
Lagerfeld began working at Balmain, a high-end fashion brand, as a young apprentice and subsequently as a junior assistant. He joined Jean Patou after leaving haute couture, ostensibly in 1962, because he had become weary of designing formal wear for the wealthy.
Karl experienced enormous fame for his distinctive looks, but he also received criticism for his creations. The theme for the Met Gala in 2023 caused controversy online.
On the one hand, the majority of individuals praised the tribute paid to the late designer, but others joined the ongoing conversation about Karl’s complex legacy and his propensity for broaching sensitive subjects. 150 of the late couturier’s creations were on display at the Met Gala in 2023 with his original sketches.
How Did Karl Lagerfeld Die?
When Chanel’s 2018 Resort Show was held in Paris instead of its customary remote location, rumors about Karl Lagerfeld’s illness first began to spread in 2017. Many media outlets at the time speculated that Lagerfeld was not doing well because he appeared to be walking clumsily while clutching his godson Hudson Kroenig’s arms.
In 2019, after Lagerfeld skipped the Chanel Haute Couture show and Virginie Virard, the brand’s head of the creative studio, took his place, rumors about his poor health started to circulate.
Karl Lagerfeld just felt fatigued, the fashion house said at the time, but the designer was, however, fighting pancreatic cancer, and that resulted in him becoming extremely weak.
He died in 2019 after being admitted to the hospital for a brief period of time. After his passing, the fashion industry honored him with heartfelt messages.
Why is Karl Lagerfeld Controversial?
Unquestionably, Lagerfeld had the ability to make stars, but over the years, he also said some things that were not flattering or were critical of the #MeToo movement.
He also caused controversy in 2017 when he criticized Angela Merkel, the chancellor of Germany, for taking in migrants escaping war.
Unknown Facts about Karl Lagerfeld
He made his name in photography by working as a photographer for well-known publications like V Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vogue. In 2013, he was the director of the film “Once Upon a Time,” which told the story of Coco Chanel.
1955 saw Karl Lagerfeld winning his maiden award at the Balmain House. He was also said to be hired by Balmain for at least two years after winning a design contest for an overcoat. He subsequently got to collaborate with another French fashion designer, Jean Patou.
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