Karl Lagerfeld

Karl Lagerfeld

Karl Lagerfeld rose in a time when everyone doubted his abilities. He proved everyone wrong. People thought that The Fashion House “Chanel” was going to sink and yet he went against all odds and out the fashion house between his hands.

Karl Lagerfeld was born in Hamburg, Germany he later moved to Paris in 1952 and succeeded as a fashion designer in the world of Fashion. Karl Lagerfeld moved to Paris at the age of 14 but by the age of Seventeen he already earned himself a job at Peirre Balmain, thanks to a coat design competition that won him the job. He took a turn once he started working for Jean Patou, in 1958, where he gained a lot of experience working with the top designers in Paris. However, Karl Lagerfeld lost his interest with Paris fashion, so instead he moved to Italy to pursue his fashion education. He joined Fendi and, during the 1970s, he worked with Chloe. His 1972 Deco collection gained worldwide approval and by 1983, he had moved to Chanel. Lagerfeld went on to launch his own label with bright colors and softly shaped knitwear. While still working for Chanel, his successes were many, including the box jacket with denim mini skirts, in 1991, and black fishnet body-stockings with Chanel branding over the breasts. Lagerfeld’s imagination has also led to such pieces as the shower-dress, the car-dress and a range of whacky hats! Apart from the fashion world, Karl enjoys learning languages and speaks fluent German, English, French and Italian. His other passions include antiques and photography, not only that but his love for fashion is so strong that he considers himself a workaholic.

Karl is an intelligent man; his personality isn’t the least bit boring. Karl innovatory mind keeps making constant changes that lead the fashion world into the most minimalistic-chic trends. Karl is admired for his never-ending passion for what he does. It’s hard to say that someone is a 100% committed to something but in Karl’s case I can assure you that he’s extremely devoted to what he does. He has been a great influence for sticking to his passion and doing what he loves overpoweringly.

 “Fashion keeps me designing: the love of change, the idea that the next one will be the right one, the nonstop dialogue.” -Karl Lagerfeld

“Like poetry, fashion does not state anything. It merely suggests.” -Karl Lagerfeld

“The most important thing is to do things, not to have done them.”

“The imagination can transform all sorts of personal insanity into elements of self-invention, and you need to make use of this.” -Karl Lagerfeld

“When I took over Chanel, nobody wanted it anymore. People said don’t touch it, it’s dead, it’s over. I saw possibility for the years to come” -Karl Lagerfeld

Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel

        Coco Chanel is a person who played a huge role in the fashion industry; her style was exotic and distinctive. She was a risk-taker, she never feared what others would think of her as long as she knew what she was doing was right.  Her unique approach to fashion made her one of the most praised fashion designers in the history of fashion.

         Coco was born on August 19, 1883, in Saumur, France. After her mother’s death, Chanel was put into an orphanage where she was raised by nuns who taught her many skills including sewing, a skill that would lead her into her life’s work. At the age of eighteen Coco left the orphanage. She worked as a performer in clubs in Vichy and Moulins where she was called “Coco.” Around the age of 20, Chanel became involved with Etienne Balsan who offered to help her start a millinery business in Paris. She soon left him for one of his even wealthier friends, Arthur “Boy” Capel. Chanel opened her first shop in 1910 which only sold hats. After opening two more shops around the country, Coco began making clothes. In the 1920s, Chanel took her booming business to another level. She launched her first perfume, Chanel No. 5 and in 1925, she created the well-known Chanel suit with collarless jacket and well-fitted skirt. The idea of borrowing elements of men’s wear and creating pieces that was stylish yet comfortable during that time was groundbreaking. The international economic depression of the 1930s had affected her business severely, however it was the outbreak of World War II that gave Chanel no choice but to close her business. At the age of 70, Chanel made a dominant return to the fashion world. Coco Chanel died on January 10, 1971, at her apartment in the Hotel Ritz. Many crowded together at the Church of the Madeleine to say their goodbyes to the fashion icon. Coco created timeless designs that continue to be popular today. She became an admired style icon famous for her simple yet sophisticated outfits matched with great accessories.

            Coco struggled to reach her dreams. We could see from the beginning that she wasn’t afraid to be different. She believed in herself before anyone else believed in her. She had a conviction that what she was doing was right and was bold enough to take a step forward. What makes her so inspirational is that even after a long period of non-fulfillment she didn’t hesitate rise up again and follow her dreams.  Her life story is a valuable lesson that every human being must cherish; it is never too late to follow your dreams because when you lose hope, you lose your aspiration till you no longer have something to look forward to. Coco showed us the true meaning of endurance; to never lose hope, to have the courage to wait for something better. 

“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different” –Coco Chanel

“Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.” –Coco Chanel

“Success is often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable.” –Coco Chanel

“Don't spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door. “- Coco Chanel

“How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone.” – Coco Chanel