Met Gala 2023: A Tribute to Karl Lagerfeld’s Legacy and the Night’s Most Memorable Moments
Met Gala 2023: A Tribute to Karl Lagerfeld’s Legacy
The Met Gala 2023 was dedicated to the iconic designer, Karl Lagerfeld. A globally renowned fashion designer, Lagerfeld was celebrated for his collaborations with fashion houses like Chanel, Chloe, and Fendi. He was also a photographer, collector, and the founder of his eponymous fashion house, Karl Lagerfeld. We’ve compiled some fascinating facts about his life and work, and explored how stars channeled his spirit in their Met Gala 2023 outfits.
From Illustrator to Fashion Icon
Lagerfeld’s journey began with a unique passion for illustration. He created 60 illustrations for the fairy tale “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” His artistic pursuits didn’t end there; in 2012, he became a regular caricature artist for the German newspaper “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.”
Revitalizing Chanel
After Coco Chanel’s passing, the fashion house faced challenging times. However, the tide turned in the 1980s when Lagerfeld joined as the artistic director. He introduced innovative designs like mini skirts, hip-hop swag, and chain belts, all while respecting the brand’s iconic elements such as tweed, bouclé, pearls, gilded buttons, two-tone shoes, and interlocking Cs.
Lagerfeld’s influence was evident at the Met Gala 2023, with celebrities like Lil Nas X, Kim Kardashian, Lizzo, and Nicole Kidman incorporating pearls and other Chanel signatures into their outfits.
Chanel’s Evolution Under Lagerfeld
“Traditions must be handled with care, or they can destroy you. Respect has nothing to do with creativity. My job was to give Chanel a new impulse,” Lagerfeld once told American Vogue. His efforts transformed Chanel into a multi-billion-dollar fashion empire.
Fendi and the Fun Furs
Lagerfeld’s collaboration with Fendi began when he was in his early 30s. He remained the creative director until his death, transforming the fashion house and making Fendi furs a staple. Despite criticism from animal rights activists, Lagerfeld continued to use fur and leather, although he eventually reduced the production of sable fur coats.
Lagerfeld’s Muses and Models
Lagerfeld was always surrounded by models, both in the traditional sense and as muses. He helped launch the career of Claudia Schiffer and admired models like Diane Kruger, Stella Tennant, and Cara Delevingne. His muses included Inès de la Fressange, Anna Piaggi, Amanda Harlech, and later, Keira Knightley, Rihanna, Kristen Stewart, and Lily-Rose Depp.
“Without muses, the process of creation would be abstract and lifeless,” Lagerfeld said in 2014. “They help fill things with expression and form.”
The Karl Lagerfeld Macau Hotel
One of Lagerfeld’s final projects was the design of the five-star “The Karl Lagerfeld Macau” hotel. Scheduled to open in June 2023, the hotel features 271 rooms, a book lounge with 4,000 volumes, and the Mesa restaurant.
Paris: Lagerfeld’s Adopted Home
Although born and raised in Germany, Lagerfeld had a deep affection for France. He moved to Paris at the age of 14, marking the beginning of his immersion in the world of fashion. In 2017, he was awarded the Grand Vermeil medal, the highest honor for contributions to the city’s cultural landscape.
“Perhaps Lagerfeld’s legacy lies not so much in the things he created, but in the direction he set for fashion,” said Anna Wintour.
For more information on Karl Lagerfeld’s life and work, visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art website.
