Over a career that spanned more than 60 years, designer Karl Lagerfeld, who died Tuesday at 85, was one of the most recognizable figures in the fashion industry, and beyond. Here, a timeline of the pivotal moments.
1933:
• Lagerfeld is born in Hamburg, Germany. (The designer was always cagey about his birth date, which could be as late as 1938.)
1954:
• After winning an award in the coats category at the International Wool Secretariat, Lagerfeld is hired as an assistant to Pierre Balmain, a job he serves until 1958.
1958:
• The designer joins Jean Patou, where he designs 10 couture collections during his five-year tenure.
Karl Lagerfeld showing his Spring 1973 Ready to Wear line for Chloe.
Gray Reginald/WWD
1963:
• He moves to Chloé, the first of two stints at the designer brand. Lagerfeld first works alongside other designers brought on by founder Gaby Aghion, such as Graziella Fontana, Tan Guidicelli and Michèle Rosier.
• Lagerfeld starts freelancing at Tiziani, the Italian couture brand created by American designer Evan Richards, with one of his most famous clients being actress Elizabeth Taylor. Lagerfeld works for the brand until 1969.
1965:
• Lagerfeld joins Fendi as head designer for its ready-to-wear and fur collections.
1966:
• After three years working alongside other designers
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