Karl Lagerfeld’s death had the entire fashion industry in mourning, following the news of his passing.
The artistic visionary, who oversaw couture houses Chanel and Fendi, in conjunction with his own eponymous label, was the epitome of an icon. There’s no denying that Lagerfeld’s meticulous eye saw him sustain Chanel’s prime position at the pinnacle of fashion, something he will always be remembered for.
Throughout his career, Karl’s avant-garde designs were synonymous with luxury and opulence, often frequented by some of fashion’s most famous faces. Here, we celebrate the legacy of the undisputed king of fashion with 10 surprising facts you might not have known about one of the world’s most prolific designers.
1. He Refused To Admit His Age
Lagerfeld’s real age is the ultimate mystery, having been disputed by several sources over the years. Lagerfeld claims he was born in 1935, but internet sleuths are adamant that the creative genius was born on Sept. 10, 1933. To add to the confusion, Lagerfeld’s representative told The Telegraph in 2013 that the designer was born in 1938.
2. He Started Growing His Iconic Ponytail In 1976
Famously known for his trademark black aviator shades and flamboyant white ponytail, 1976 was the year Lagerfeld decided to embark on growing his hair.
3. He Had An Obsession With Diet Coke
Lagerfeld consumed up to 10 cans of Diet Coke on a daily basis. “I drink Diet Coke from the minute I get up to the minute I go to bed. I can even drink it in the middle of the night, and I can sleep. I don’t drink coffee, I don’t drink tea, I drink nothing else,” he told Harper’s Bazaar.
4. He Carried A Fan Everywhere He Went
In fact, his fan became almost as much of a trademark as the designer’s ponytail and beloved cat, Choupette.
5. His Personal Library Consisted Of 300,000 Books Stacked Sideways
Lagerfeld was an avid reader with impressive collection that boasted 300,000 books in his personal library. As for their unusual positioning? The books in his collection were rotated sideways so he didn’t have to tilt his head to read the titles.
6. He Was No Stranger To Controversy
Karl was never one to hold back, unapologetically speaking his mind at the best of times. He was a highly opinionated man who made plenty of controversial remarks throughout his time, most notably saying that “no one wants to see curvy women on the runway” and that he “hated all children”.
7. Lagerfeld Was A Talented Photographer
Not only did Karl have an exceptional artistic talent, but he also was a keen photographer who actively shot many marketing and media campaigns for each of the brands.
8. He Owned 300 iPods
It’s been said that Lagerfeld had an extensive tech collection which featured 300 iPods, each one programmed with different music. Unsurprisingly, he stored his collection in a custom-made limited-edition Louis Vuitton trunk nonetheless.
9. Lagerfeld Considered Himself To Be ‘Working Class’
Two months prior to his death, Lagerfeld spoke to New York magazine and candidly told the outlet that he considered himself to be part of the “working class.” He said, “I think I work better now than before. My brain is clearer. And I want to work. I’m working class.”
10. He Lost 42 Kilograms In 13 Months
In 2001, the designer underwent a dramatic body transformation of his own and claimed to have shed 42 kilograms in just 13 months, revealing that he woke up one day and was no longer satisfied with his physical appearance. Lagerfeld’s unusual diet tips and tricks can be found in his book The Karl Lagerfeld Diet.
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