He was the most famous designer of recent times, heading up both Chanel and Fendi with extraordinary results. Known for his wit and humour, Karl Lagerfeld had a way with both fashion and words that has set him apart from his peers.
With his signature white ponytail, sunglasses and black suit, the character of Lagerfeld was known around the world as one that virtually defined fashion. But his wisdom went far beyond creating the perfect tweed suit.
In fact, Lagerfeld was known for his one liners. Whether it was describing a chic woman or explaining technology, the German-born designer knew how to speak in ways we wanted to listen.
Following news of his death at the age of 85, we’ve rounded up all the outrageous, funny and down right wise things Lagerfeld said during his life.
On his image: “I am like a caricature of myself, and I like that.”
On Apple: “The iPod is genius. I have 300.”
On faxing (in 2010): “People I’m really friendly with have faxes. Anna Wintour has one.”
On what he thinks before a show: “I have no human feelings.”
On being alone: “I live in a set, with the curtains of the stage closed with no audience – but who cares?”
On bedtime clothing: “When I was a child, my mother always told me that you could wake up in the middle of the night and be deathly sick, so you always have to be impeccable. I laugh about it now, but I think everyone should go to bed like they have a date at the door.”
On wedding dresses: “Normally, I don’t recommend me for wedding dresses – they all get a divorce.”
On famously loving Hedi Slimane: “I lost 200lb to wear suits by Hedi Slimane.”
On working hard as a designer: “Nobody is forced to do this job and if they don’t like it, they should do another one. If it’s too much, do something else. But don’t start doing it and then say, ‘Aaaah, it’s too much’. Because a lot of people depend on it.”
On not having any children: “They grow so fast, and having adult children makes you look 100 years old. I don’t want that.”
On tracksuits: “Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants.”
On interior design: “The most important piece in the house is the garbage can.”
On personal style: “Chic is a kind of mayonnaise, either it tastes, or it doesn’t.”
On the way he works with other people: “I am a sort of vampire, taking the blood of other people.”
On his love of luxury: “When I was four I asked my mother for a valet for my birthday.”
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