Karl Lagerfeld: life in pictures

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1954

In 1954, the then entirely unknown designers Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent entered the International Wool Secretariat’s design competition (now known as the Woolmark Prize). Lagerfeld, who was 21 at the time, won the best coat category, while Saint Laurent, then 16 years old, came first place in the dress category. The panel included Hubert de Givenchy and Christian Dior, the latter of whom hired Saint Laurent on the spot.

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1960

After three years at Balmain, Lagerfeld joined the French fashion house Jean Patou, where he designed for five years. His collections challenged preconceptions of couture, including mini-skirts and plunging necklines that were poorly received by the conservative fashion press.

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1960

Lagerfeld, aged 27 in his Paris office.

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1961

Lagerfeld with a model while at Jean Patou.

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1964

In 1964 he began freelancing for Chloé before eventually joining the brand full-time.

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1973

In the Chloé offices.

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Mid-70s

Lagerfeld in his Paris home.

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1977

He adopted some of his first style signatures – dark glasses and a ponytail – as early as the late Seventies.

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1978

A more flamboyant early portrait.

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1982

The designer with a friend at a fan-themed party in Paris.

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80s

Lagerfeld made strong relationships with a number of women, who would become long-standing brand ambassadors. French model Inès de La Fressange was one such woman, pictured here at a Chloé fitting.

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80s

In checks for a portrait taken at the Pierre hotel in Paris.

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1984

Lagerfeld began designing for Fendi in 1965 and posed for this picture with the five Fendi sisters – (from left to right) Franca, Carla, Anna, Paola and Alda – in 1984. He launched his own eponymous label the same year.

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1984

In 1983, Lagerfeld joined the the ailing fashion house of Chanel as creative director. In 1984, he presented his first couture collection for the brand.

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1984

Surrounded by a group of models, including Jerry Hall, following the Chanel autumn/winter 1984 collection show.

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1987

Lagerfeld posed for Playboy in November 1987.

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1988

With a young Sofia Coppola at the autumn/winter 1988 Chanel show.

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Early 90s

Claudia Schiffer and Lagerfeld, whom the supermodel credits for having helped launch her career in the early Nineties.

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1992

The designer during the finale of the spring/summer 1993 Chanel show.

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1995

With a young Kate Moss and Linda Evangelista backstage post-show.

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