Karl Lagerfeld worn the award of the Secrétariat international de la laine in 1954 and began as Pierre Balmain's assistant (from 1955 to 1962), before being appointed at the head of the Maison Jean Patou from 1959 to 1963.
Outstanding designer, he invented the figure of the artistic director and turned his silhouette into a logo. Half demiurge and prolific, he leads several international fashion houses, his own brand and many collaborations.
Artisitc director of the Maison Chloé (from 1963 to 1983 and then from 1992 to 1997) and of Fendi (since 1965), he has given luxury ready-to-wear its letters of nobility. In 1983, Karl Lagerfeld, appointed artistic director of Chanel, brought haute couture into the 21st century by reviving one of the most famous fashion house in the world.
" It’s with great sadness that Palais Galliera pays homage to Karl Lagerfeld, once of the most influential designers of the century.
With his exceptional creative strength and extraordinary ability to work, Mr. Lagerfeld has contributed to the success and excellence of the world's leading fashion houses, including Chloé, Fendi and of course Chanel.
Faithful to the free spirit of the founder Gabrielle Chanel, and always respectful of the history of the House, Karl Lagerfeld has reinterpreted the Chanel style, reinvented its codes to make it an essential brand on the contemporary scene.
The world loses today a great artist. He will always have a place of honour in the history of fashion and at the heart of Palais Galliera. "
— Miren Arzalluz, directrice du Palais Galliera
