10 Things You Didn't Know About Karl Lagerfeld
by Taylor Lauri, Contributing Writer
Last week, we said goodbye to not only an icon but a game changer and legend in the fashion world. Karl Lagerfeld died at the age of 85 in Paris on February 19, 2019. We all know him for his most recent role as Chanel’s Creative Director and all his accomplishments in fashion history. He worked closely with so many stars and was often the spark that got them started in the industry. Finally, he’s shared many iconic quotes that you may be familiar with—so familiar, in fact, that you think you know everything about Lagerfeld. However, there are plenty of other things you probably didn’t know about him.
1. Lagerfeld was born in Germany but emigrated to Paris at the age of 14.
2. His exact date of birth is not clear but it’s believed to be September 10th, 1933.
3. Lagerfeld changed his name from “Lagerfelt” to Lagerfeld which has become such an iconic name in fashion. He decided to change it when he wrote his famous book, “The Karl Lagerfeld Diet.” He said that his diet consisted of tuna and blackberry mousse—but that fashion is the best motivation to lose weight.
4. He had an older sister, Martha Christiane, and an older half-sister, Thea. She is from his father’s first marriage.
5. He spoke several languages, including German, English, French and Italian!
6. Lagerfeld owned a bookstore in Paris called 7L.
7. His pet, a white Birman cat named Choupette, has nearly 300,000 Instagram followers!
8. He sold his ready-to-wear label (which was founded in 1984) to the Tommy Hilfiger group in 2005.
9. He was 5 feet 8 inches!
10. Before iPhones were invented, Lagerfeld was famous for owning 300 iPods. Each one was programmed with different music.
As we continue to celebrate Lagerfeld’s incomparable fashion career, it’s interesting to pay tribute to him by remembering unique facts. Au Revoir, Mr. Lagerfeld.
Sources:
“Karl Lagerfeld.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 19 Feb. 2019.
Phelps, Nicole. “Legendary Designer Karl Lagerfeld Has Died.” Vogue,
Vogue, 22 Feb. 2019.“Who Was Karl Lagerfeld? Everything You Need to Know.” Childhood,
Life Achievements & Timeline.