THE LAGERFELD LEGACY

The Met Gala’s 2023 theme celebrates Karl Lagerfeld’s impressive body of work, but why is it starting a dialogue about his lasting legacy?

Legacy is a charged word, especially in an industry as fickle as fashion. At a time when trends are rendered obsolete by the time they hit shelves, designers often struggle to leave a lasting mark beyond the niche circles they’re known in. But every so often, a creative genius comes along that manages to straddle the lines of high fashion and pop culture, leaving behind an empire in their wake. German-born designer Karl Lagerfeld was undoubtedly a master at crafting a lasting legacy.

For the uninitiated, Lagerfeld is unequivocally one of fashion’s most prolific designers. An almost chameleonic talent, he designed for numerous labels like Balmain, Patou, Chloé, Fendi, Chanel, and his eponymous brand until his death in 2019. With a fabled work ethic and a passion for immaculate craftsmanship, he breathed new life into Chanel, reviving the house’s design codes for the modern era and bringing a touch of mainstream entertainment to couture. Lagerfeld was widely recognised for his slicked-back snow-white ponytail, large sunglasses, an affinity for monochrome, and his beloved Diet Coke. And now, his talent is set to be honoured at fashion’s biggest event in 2023.

A LINE OF BEAUTY