An early start
Born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1933, Karl Otto Lagerfeld demonstrated an inclination for art, illustration, and design from a young age. At 14, he moved to Paris, the world's fashion capital, where his talent quickly stood out. In 1954, at just 21, he won an international coat design competition organized by the International Wool Secretariat. The judges? None other than Pierre Balmain, who immediately hired him as an assistant.
The genius behind the great houses
Lagerfeld left his mark at Balmain , Jean Patou , Chloé , and especially Fendi , where he worked for more than 50 years. But it was his arrival at Chanel in 1983 that would mark a turning point in fashion history.
At a time when the house founded by Coco Chanel seemed stagnant, Lagerfeld took classic codes (tweed, pearls, black and white) and gave them a contemporary, irreverent, and utterly modern twist. He transformed Chanel into one of the most desirable and avant-garde brands on the planet.
Fashion is not art, but to make it you have to be an artist.
His own brand: KARL LAGERFELD
In parallel with his work with other fashion houses, Lagerfeld founded his eponymous brand , where he expressed his most personal aesthetic: graphic minimalism, urban elegance, and an unmistakable rock-chic touch. KARL LAGERFELD became synonymous with affordable, sophisticated, and daring style. Today, his collections continue to convey his essence: a perfect balance between classic and modern.
More than fashion
Lagerfeld wasn't just a designer. He was also a photographer, editor, illustrator, and book lover (he owned more than 300,000 books). His cat, Choupette, became a celebrity, and her image was immortalized in dolls, comics, and advertising campaigns. His life was an artistic spectacle, where every detail was carefully orchestrated.
An immortal legacy
Karl Lagerfeld passed away in 2019, but his influence remains as vivid as ever. His ability to reinvent himself, his iron discipline, and his aesthetic vision make him a unique figure. Today, at Dakonda, we are proud to offer pieces from the KARL LAGERFELD brand, because we believe in fashion with history, identity, and character.
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