This year met gala really had so many amazing looks. Some people were lost on the theme and don't really have any idea on what it was. This years theme was "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty" which is a book by the British art historian and curator Colin McDowell. The book, which was published in 2018, is a biography of Karl Lagerfeld, the renowned fashion designer and creative director of Chanel and Fendi.
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Karl Lagerfeld was a German fashion designer who was widely regarded as one of the most important and influential fashion designers of the 20th and 21st centuries. The book covers Lagerfeld's life and career, from his childhood in Germany to his rise to prominence in the fashion world. It explores Lagerfeld's creative vision, his iconic designs, and his impact on the fashion industry. McDowell's biography draws on interviews with Lagerfeld's colleagues, friends, and family members, as well as archival material and previously unpublished photographs. The book is notable for its detailed and intimate portrayal of Lagerfeld, and for its insights into the fashion industry and the world of haute couture.
The book also delves into Lagerfeld's personal life, including his relationships, his interests, and his controversial public persona. Lagerfeld was controversial for a number of reasons. One of the most notable controversies surrounding him was his public comments about various celebrities and public figures, which were often seen as rude, fatphobic, sexist, racist and just generally offensive.
"Rihanna has a fantastic face. She has this iconic aura, and I think it is very difficult to work with an iconic aura because people have their own idea of you. This is the reason people are sometimes afraid of me – because they don't know how to approach me."( The Cut, 2015)
This comment is definitely more evolved and self aware than his comments in the past. He completely downed artist M.I.A. saying, "I don't like her music, her look, or her message. She's a provocateur, which is not the same thing as being a revolutionary. Music needs talent, not gimmicks." As witty and iconic as he was he more often put his foot in his mouth as he made many derogatory comments about women.
"Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life, so you bought some sweatpants."
“Women in magazines are 50% bimbo and 50% pregnant women.”
Dismissing the #MeToo movement as "uninteresting."
Criticizing German Chancellor Angela Merkel for allowing refugees into the country, saying, "One cannot - even if there are decades between them - kill millions of Jews so you can bring millions of their worst enemies in their place."
Back in a 2012 interview with the French magazine "Numéro," Karl Lagerfeld made a comment about the British singer Adele's weight, saying, "The thing at the moment is Adele. She is a little too fat, but she has a beautiful face and a divine voice." This comment sparked outrage and criticism from many people, including celebrities and fans of Adele. Lagerfeld later apologized for his comment, stating that he was a "great admirer" of Adele and that he had only meant to compliment her voice. However, the incident was seen as an example of the fashion industry's tendency to promote unrealistic and unhealthy body standards, and it raised questions about the role of designers and the media in perpetuating these standards. Which honestly seemed to be a theme of his work and if it wasn't for celebrities like Lizzo to show representation of all body types would be the theme of the met gala. When you think "lines of beauty" you may think of a woman's silhouette. Anywhere to the impossible coke bottle vixen shape to the slimmer subtle curve. Which you may find to be the inspo behind many shapes of his designs with the shape often exaggerated by a petticoat.
"Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance."
In addition, Lagerfeld was criticized for his use of fur in his designs. Animal rights activists and many consumers viewed this as cruel and unnecessary, and Lagerfeld was frequently the target of protests and boycotts.
And also accused of cultural appropriation for some of his designs, including a 2015 Chanel fashion show that was inspired by traditional Native American clothing.
"Fashion is a language that creates itself in clothes to interpret reality."
Despite these controversies, Lagerfeld was widely admired and respected within the fashion industry. His legacy as one of the most important and influential fashion designers of the 20th and 21st centuries remains intact for his creativity, innovation, and ability to create iconic designs that stood the test of time.
"Fashion is not only about clothes. It's about all kinds of change."
Karl Lagerfeld worked for a number of fashion houses throughout his career, in addition to his own eponymous label. Some of the most notable fashion houses that Lagerfeld worked for include:
1. Pierre Balmain: Lagerfeld began his career in 1955 as an assistant to Pierre Balmain, the French fashion designer.
2. Jean Patou: In 1958, Lagerfeld joined the Parisian fashion house Jean Patou as a designer.
3. Chloé: In 1963, Lagerfeld became the creative director of Chloé, a French fashion brand known for its feminine and bohemian designs.
4. Fendi: In 1965, Lagerfeld began working with the Italian fashion house Fendi, where he remained as creative director of fur and women's ready-to-wear until his death in 2019.
5. Chanel: Lagerfeld is perhaps best known for his work as the creative director of Chanel, a position he held from 1983 until his death in 2019.
In addition to these fashion houses, Lagerfeld also collaborated with a number of other brands and designers throughout his career, including H&M, Macy's, and Swarovski, among others.
If you haven't picked up on it yet he was best known for his work as the creative director of the French fashion house Chanel. During his tenure at Chanel, Lagerfeld was credited with reviving the brand and making it one of the most iconic and influential fashion houses in the world. One of his biggest inspiration and predecessor was Coco Chanel herself with his successor as creative director of Chanel being Virginie Viard. Following Lagerfeld's passing in February 2019, Viard was appointed as the new artistic director of Chanel. Prior to this, she had worked closely with Lagerfeld for over 30 years, serving as his right-hand woman and studio director. Viard has since taken the reins at Chanel, presenting her first solo collection for the brand in October 2019.
He had many iconic designs throughout his career. Here are a few examples:
- Chanel Jacket: Lagerfeld famously reimagined the classic Chanel jacket, giving it a modern twist and making it a staple of the brand's collections. He incorporated new materials and embellishments, but also respected the classic design elements that made the jacket so timeless.
- Fendi Baguette Bag: Lagerfeld was the creative director of Fendi for over 50 years, and one of his most famous designs for the brand was the Baguette bag. Named after the French bread, the Baguette became an instant classic in the early 2000s, thanks to its compact size, colorful designs, and distinctive shape.
- Chanel 2.55 Handbag: Lagerfeld also updated the classic Chanel handbag, creating the 2.55 version that became an iconic symbol of the brand. The bag features the signature quilted leather and chain strap, but with an added twist: a rectangular clasp that recalls the shape of the Place Vendôme in Paris.
- Lagerfeld's own brand: Lagerfeld also designed for his own brand, which featured a range of clothing, accessories, and fragrances.
Some of his most famous designs for the brand included leather jackets, layered accessories and chains, sequined and embellished dresses, and graphic t-shirts. These designs, and many others, helped to establish Lagerfeld as one of the most innovative and influential designers of his time.
Karl Lagerfeld was also known for his eclectic range of inspirations, which drew from art, history, music, and popular culture. He was always looking for new ideas and influences, and he had a unique ability to combine seemingly disparate elements into cohesive designs. Some of his most famous sources of inspiration included:
- Coco Chanel: Lagerfeld was the creative director of Chanel for over 30 years, and he was deeply inspired by the brand's founder, Coco Chanel. He respected her legacy and her classic designs, but also updated them for a modern audience.
- Art and Architecture: Lagerfeld was a passionate collector of art and had a particular interest in architecture. He often looked to these fields for inspiration, incorporating elements of Art Deco, Baroque, Bridal and other styles into his designs.
- Music: Lagerfeld was an avid music lover and drew inspiration from a wide range of genres, from classical to rock to hip-hop. He was particularly interested in the punk and new wave movements, and often incorporated their rebellious spirit into his designs.
- Pop Culture: Lagerfeld was always up-to-date on the latest trends in popular culture, from movies to television to social media. He often incorporated elements of pop culture into his designs, making them relevant and accessible to a wide audience.
Overall, Lagerfeld's inspiration came from a wide range of sources, and he was always looking for new ideas and influences to infuse into his designs. His ability to combine classic and modern elements, and to create designs that were both timeless and of-the-moment, was one of the keys to his success.
- "I'm very much down to earth, just not this earth."
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