karl lagerfeld birthday

No other designer is as accomplished as Karl Lagerfeld, who turns 80-something today. Here, five reasons why we think he’s the most bada** creative force in the fashion world:

#1: He’s behind two of the world’s biggest fashion labels.

Everything he creates is an instant hit with the fashion cognoscenti. Cases in point: Turning the Chanel Fall Winter ’15 show into a chic Parisian brasserie, complete with clutches in the shape of plates and 2.55 flap bags covered in miniature forks and spoons; and making Fendi’s bag charms, including the Karlito, become the most coveted It accessories to have today.

#2: At his age, he’s still enthusiastic about fashion.

Age has never stopped him from coming up with one hit concept after another – and it’s 100% original. He told British fashion journalist Suzy Menkes in a Vogue story this April: “I’ve never gone into the Chanel and Fendi archives. It’s unhealthy for me”. 2015 marks his 50th year at Italian label Fendi, 32nd year at French maison Chanel and 31st year at his eponymous label.

#3: He made a cat a model.

With almost 70,000 Instagram followers, Lagerfeld’s beloved kitty Choupette has become a celebrity with serious cred. So far, she’s worked with Japanese beauty brand Shu Uemura; has been featured in top fashion magazines like Vogue; published a book (aptly titled The Private Life Of A High-Flying Fashion Cat, it contains tips on health, lifestyle and fashion); and even receives fanmail.

#4: He has an awesome library.

The floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in his Parisian apartment are filled with over 60,000 books on art and fashion (but of course).

#5: He understands the appeal of a uniform.

It’s straightforward and no-nonsense: Black shades, black suit and tie with a low ponytail. Even Barbie gave it a spin.

 

Main image: Showbit.com

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