Photo: Courtesy Karl Lagerfeld
Even after the untimely passing away of the fashion icon, Karl Lagerfeld carries forth his legacies into new collections and collaborations. Karl Lagerfeld has long since been the backbone of fashion, with his eye for detail and innovative, bold ideas. He changed the fashion world by introducing a legacy brand and building it into one of the most influential fashion businesses in the world – Chanel, which is only one of his many offerings to fashion.
Now, the brand Karl Lagerfeld has come together with supermodel Cara Delevingne for a very special project, a gender-neutral line of clothing. “When Karl passed away, Karl Lagerfeld asked me to help design a tribute limited-edition shirt. This was two years ago, and all the proceeds went to “Sauver la Vie”, a charity that funds medical research at the Paris Descartes University which Karl supported for many years,” Delevingne explains. “After that, we wanted to find another way to work together so this collaboration came about naturally. The collaboration focuses on genderless styles.” As she gears up to celebrate the new collab, she shares more on her style, the new collection, and her best memories with Karl.
How do you like to dress?
I personally dress in a way that allows me to play with gender. So when I was thinking about a collection that I wanted to exist but also that I wanted to be true to my personal style, I knew it needed to be genderless.
Do you think unisex is the future of fashion?
I think clothes should have the ability to be worn by everyone.
Photo: Courtesy Karl Lagerfeld
What is the message behind the collection?
Because this is a gender-neutral collection, I think the message is inclusivity. It doesn’t matter how you identify. There are pieces in this collection for everyone. It’s made for everyone.
What do you like about the Karl Lagerfeld brand?
At Karl, they are always innovating and pushing the bar of fashion. They do things that make a difference – which I absolutely adore, and fit in perfectly with who I am and what I believe in.
What have you learned from working with Hun Kim and the Karl Lagerfeld creative team?
I have learned that no goa/ is out of reach – to always strive for greatness.
What is your favorite piece of the collection and why?
Photo: Courtesy Karl Lagerfeld
I love the reversible bomber jacket. The blue faux fur is so cozy it feels like a cloud!
Which has been the most memorable moment for you during this collaboration?
Seeing all the clothes for the first time in person was a real pinch me moment.
How did you go about keeping the spirit of Karl Lagerfeld in your designs?
For me, Karl’s style is timeless, classic, chic, yet simple, and always has a twist which is what I kept in mind while making this collection.
How much creative input on the collection did you have?
I worked very much in collaboration with the Karl Lagerfeld design team. We went back and forth on designs for months, continually sharing ideas and making adjustments. Hun Kim, Karl Lagerfeld’s Design Director, and the creative team came over to meet me whilst I was filming in Prague so that we could work on the collection, and spent time in the studio in Amsterdam. I wanted to ensure the collection truly reflected my style.
How would you describe the collection to someone who hasn’t seen it?
Stylish, fun, and something for everyone!
What has surprised you about the creative process?
Photo: Courtesy Karl Lagerfeld
The amount of editing involved was totally unexpected. I just had such an abundance of ideas and narrowing them down was really the hardest part. I am fortunate that Hun understood my vision, and was able to guide me through the process of editing the collection.
The collection embodies inclusivity. Who, in your opinion is the audience/target group for this collection?
Everyone!!
Do you remember the first time you met Karl in person? If so, what do you remember?
It was at my first Chanel show, and the first time I met him, I was immediately blown away by his kindness and generosity
What did Karl teach you?
Karl really taught me the importance of embracing your weirdness. He was uniquely himself and he really didn’t care what anyone else thought. I try to live with that attitude every day.
What is your funniest memory with Karl?
Going to dinner with him, picking his brain, and listening to his stories would always leave me with sore cheeks after laughing so hard
What three things did you love the most about Karl?
His creativity, his intellect, and his love for the people he cared about
What do you think would be his reaction on the collection?
Photo: Courtesy Karl Lagerfeld
I know he would love it – that’s the most rewarding part of this experience.
What is your favorite memory of Karl Lagerfeld?
One of my favorite things to do with Karl was to sit with him alone and hear stories about his past. His life was so fascinating. Getting to know him was my favorite memory. However, / will always deeply cherish each moment we had together. His personality was infectious, and I was always elated to be in his presence.
In your opinion, what is Karl’s greatest legacy?
Karl is his own greatest legacy. Everything he did will be remembered and seen as an inspiration for future generations.
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