More than a mere tastemaker, Karl Lagerfeld devoted himself to the continual pursuit of chic. “My life and my job,” the designer once said, “is to forget myself.” During his five-decade career designing shoes, handbags, evening dresses and other items for Chanel, Fendi, Chloé and many others, Lagerfeld was a quintessential chameleon, ever evolving to embody the times.
An outsize, instantly recognizable personality — his ponytail powdered like an 18th-century viscount, his eyes perpetually shielded by dark glasses, wearing fistfuls of chunky silver jewels — Lagerfeld was, above all, an avatar of style.
Born in Hamburg (in 1933, ’35, or ’38 by varying accounts), Karl Lagerfeld packed his bags for Paris in 1954. His design for a coat won him the International Wool Secretariat and landed him a job with the celebrated couturier Pierre Balmain. He went on to become the designer of Jean Patou, eventually realizing that his seemingly endless ideas could fuel a career as a designer-for-hire. As such, Lagerfeld lent his vision to everyone from Loewe and Max Mara to Krizia and Charles Jourdan, nimbly moving among a diverse range of styles. It was an unprecedented way of working in the days when freelance was still a dirty word.
During the late ’60s and ’70s, he refashioned Chloé to reflect the free spirit of the day and, beginning in 1965, joined forces with the Fendi family, taking it from sleepy furrier to fashion’s haute-est stratum. Because of his track record for reviving and reimagining brands that had grown stagnant, in 1983 Lagerfeld was handed the reins at Chanel, which had been gathering dust since its founder’s heyday.
From Lagerfeld's first Chanel collection, he injected the venerable house with a frisson of modernity. He riffed on its iconography — tweed skirt suits, pearls, camellias — accenting a lexicon of Chanel-isms with tastes of the moment. Despite producing eight collections a year for Chanel, as well as four to five for Fendi, Lagerfeld never faltered in proposing new ideas each time he put pencil to paper.
Lagerfeld’s collections for Chanel, in particular, displayed his knack for synthesizing old and new, high and low. From Watteau (Spring/Summer 1985 couture) and Serge Roche (Spring/Summer 1990 ready-to-wear) to hip-hop fly girls (Fall/Winter 1991 ready-to-wear), surfers (Spring/Summer 2003 ready-to-wear) and ancient Egypt (Pre-Fall 2019), Lagerfeld used each season’s inspiration to conceive Chanel’s signatures anew.
Browse a collection of sophisticated designs by Karl Lagerfeld on 1stDibs, including handbags and evening gowns for Chanel, vintage cocktail dresses for Chloé and more.
KARL LAGERFELD 1989 Vintage Runway Black + Gold Silk Beaded Corset Ensemble
By Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Karl Lagerfeld Vintage Runway FW89 2 pieces Jet black and vibrant gold The beaded detailing is insane The pleats are so good and as pictured there are 2 huge slits Both pieces are 10...
Chanel 1990 Ensemble Top et Jupe Soie FR36 Ecru Silk Blouse and Skirt UK8 US4 6
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel Spring/Summer 1990 ensemble consisting of an oversized ecru silk crepe blouse—featuring a pleated collar, bib, and cuffs, batwing sleeves, and French cuffs with cufflinks—and ...
$6,995Sale Price|28% Off
New W/ Tags Chanel S/S 2016 Kendall Jenner Runway Skirt & Jacket Suit
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Conroe, TX
Rare Karl Lagerfeld Chanel Spring 2016 Runway Suit New With Tags Kendall Jenner wore this model for the Iconic "Airport" Runway Show Size French 38 ...
2003 CHANEL Burgundy and Black Women's Wool Jacket A-Line Skirt Suit
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
2003 Chanel black and reddish brown or burgundy tweed with clear sequins fitted jacket and A- line skirt suit. Marked size 36f Fit US 2/4 A line skirt buttons collar pockets sequins
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Haute Couture Bow Skirt Suit, Circa 1985
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Geneva, CH
Iconic, timeless, chic and versatile ! Very few garment can provide these four qualities simultaneously. A Chanel skirt suit has definitely such power, especially when it is Haute Co...
Off-white skirt suit Karl Lagerfeld for Neiman Marcus
By Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Off-white skirt suit with double-breasted jacket. Main fabric composition: wool. Silk lining. SIZE 40 (Fr) 10 (Us)
Crêpe & silk chiffon with gold buttons and belt skirt-suit Karl Lagerfeld
By Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black crêpe & off-white chiffon with gold buttons and belt skirt-suit. The front of the double-breasted jacket is pleated and the bottom of the skirt as well. Gold metal buckle on t...
Karl Lagerfeld 1980s Black Lace Cut - Out Size 44 / 10 12 Vintage Dress + Jacket
By Karl Lagerfeld
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy 80s vintage KARL LAGERFELD black lightweight wool and French lace cut-out sleeveless dress and jacket ! Features a tailored bodice with sheer lace cut-out detail at the center b...
$5,760Sale Price|20% Off
CHANEL Karl Lagerfeld 2014 Runway Colorama CC silk crop top midi skirt FR34 XS
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL Karl Lagerfeld 2014 Runway Colorama icon brush CC 100% silk crop top midi skirt FR34 XS Reference: AAWC/A01548 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: SS 2014 Color...
FENDI A/W 2009 2 Pc Black Wool on Grey Silk Jacket Dress Suit Set
By Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Thiensville, WI
Fendi Fall / Winter 2009 two piece Avant Garde dress suit designed by Karl Lagerfeld. Black wool yarn woven through metallic steel gray in an Avant Garde design. 3/4 length sleeve ja...
Chanel Contemporary Blue Boucle Blazer, Silk Blouse & A-Line Skirt Set
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
CHANEL blue boucle blazer , cowl neck silk blouse and A line skirt set. Blazer measurement: Shoulder : / Bust : 36” / Hip: 36”/ jacket length: 18”/ sleeve length 16” Blouse measureme...
$3,304Sale Price|20% Off
CHANEL Métiers d'Art Paris-Moscou Skirt Suit FR 36
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Krakow, PL
Absolutely stunning and rare Chanel Métiers d’Art Paris–Moscou skirt suit from the Pre-Fall 2009 Collection! This beautiful two-piece suit, designed by K...
$760Sale Price|49% Off
Lagerfeld 1990's Vintage Velvet and Satin Look Three Piece Skirt Set-Size 38/40
By Karl Lagerfeld
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lagerfeld 3 piece black, nylon/spandex and cotton/rayon, jacket, top, skirt. Jacket has 4 front pockets, vent button back with tie for adjustment. This 1990's Karl Lagerfeld creation...
KARL LAGERFELD Red Boucle Skirt Suit Size 14
By Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Karl Lagerfeld suit is composed of a red boucle. The jacket features a large collar with center front button closures and a double breasted style. The skirt has a classic pencil...
Chanel SS 1993 Haute Couture Black Silk Jersey Bias-Cut Dress w/ Wool Crepe Coat
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This rare Chanel Haute Couture ensemble from Spring/Summer 1993, designed by Karl Lagerfeld, exemplifies the house’s mastery of contrast — pairing fluid sensuality with tailored prec...
$165Sale Price|44% Off
vintage KARL LAGERFELD purple wool graphic button paneled blazer skirt suit FR36
By Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Hong Kong, NT
vintage KARL LAGERFELD purple wool graphic button paneled blazer skirt suit FR36 Reference: GIYG/A00061 Brand: Karl Lagerfeld Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Material: Wool Color: Purple Pa...
Karl Lagerfield Yellow Apricot Blazer Size 40
By Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Karl Lagerfield jacket is composed of an apricot hued fabric. There are center front button closures. In excellent condition. Made in France. *...
Navy blue skirt suit with white details Karl Lagerfeld for Bergdorf Goodman
By Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Navy blue skirt suit with white collar and cuff . Gold metal roses buttons. Zip on the cuffs. No fabric composition but probably rayon and silk lining. Raglan sleeves. SIZE L ( jack...
Karl Lagerfeld for Bergdorf Goodman Black evening suit
By Karl Lagerfeld
Located in New York, NY
The jacket front has eleven (11) buttons on the front. Also, two breast pockets and two pockets on the bottom. The collar is a flat V neck with another lapel underneath giving the ap...
$775
Size: Medium / Large
1960s Yellow + Pink Romper Skort Mod Cotton Flower Print Vintage 60s Jumpsuit
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1960s yellow, pink and white romper ! Features vibrant yellow background, with hot pink and white flowers printed throughout. Looks like a dress, but...
Rodarte Runway Sheer Swarovski Crystals Embellished Plunged Open Back Jumpsuit
By Rodarte
Located in Englishtown, NJ
RODARTE RUNWAY SHEER SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS EMBELLISHED PLUNGED OPEN BACK JUMPSUIT US 6 RETAIL $5,888 + TAX This stunning jumpsuit from Rodarte features a...
Valentino Celadon 1970's Ensemble
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Charming Valentino Celadon Ensemble from the 1970's comprising a silk crepe printed shirt and scarf with cotton twill full skirt. Soft silk crepe de chine pink floral print on celado...
$550
Size: 4 fits like at 2-small 4
Valentino Boutique Early 1960s Green & Cream Wool Tweed Skirt Suit
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Valentino Boutique early 1960s wool tweed skirt suit, a nod to Christian Dior's Bar suit. Done in a moss green & cream dog tooth check, the jacket & skirt are trimmed in coordinating...
Vintage David Hayes Custom Made Black & White Beaded Suit Size 8
By David Hayes
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Such a beautiful suit by Los Angeles designer who designed for Fist Ladies (Regan and Ford) and many Hollywood celebrities and Beverly Hills Ladies who lunch. This suit is one of a kind, custom made. The cardigan style jacket is beaded with sparse sequin for a little bling. Hand done keyhole buttonholes in black. Same black trim on jacket pocket edges. Very heavy jewelry...
Chanel Contemporary Blue Boucle Blazer, Silk Blouse & A-Line Skirt Set
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
CHANEL blue boucle blazer , cowl neck silk blouse and A line skirt set. Blazer measurement: Shoulder : / Bust : 36” / Hip: 36”/ jacket length: 18”/ sleeve length 16” Blouse measureme...
1980s Chanel Haute Couture Cream Pant Suit
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Incredible Chanel Haute Couture cream wool pantsuit from the early 1980s. Collarless jacket with faux flap pockets. Lovely round gold tone metal buttons ...
1978 YVES SAINT LAURENT metallic caftan cape and dress ensemble
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This stunning Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche two-piece ensemble, dating to circa 1978, is made of a sheer silk chiffon woven with metallic threads forming a dense floral motif in ton...
Dior 30 Montaigne Bar Jacket Off-White Ecru Plumetis Tulle Skirt Set FR38
By Christian Dior
Located in Jersey City, NJ
The 30 Montaigne Bar jacket and plumetis tulle skirt represent the most iconic ensemble in the history of Dior - a timeless symbol of femininity, structure, and grace. First introduc...
Vintage Alaïa Black Halter Bodysuit & Fishtail Knit Skirt Set
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in CACHAN, FR
Rare vintage Alaïa Paris two-piece set composed of a sculpting black halter bodysuit and matching fishtail knit skirt, crafted in the maison’s iconic textured acetate knit. This stri...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER, black long sleeve jumpsuit zipper back and flared bottoms
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingston, NY
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER, black long sleeve jumpsuit zipper back and flared bottoms. Made of man-made stretchy material. Zipper closure at the back of the neck. Size; US 8 Measurements; ...
$14,999
Size: Skirt 38, Jacket 40
UNWORN Dolce & Gabbana Bondage Buckle Leather Jacket Skirt Suit Ensemble Y2K KIM
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Switzerland, CH
Dolce & Gabbana Bondage Leather Skirt Jacket Suit Combination An extremely rare find and vintage piece Seen on Kim Kardashian in Milano Finest nappa leather Fully lined with bla...
Gorgeous 1990s Vintage Karl Lagerfeld Bright Red Double Breasted Skirt Suit
By Karl Lagerfeld
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible vintage Karl Lagerfeld for Bergdorf Goodman short sleeved double breasted suit! Flattering short cuffed sleeves, with chic double breasted bodice. High waisted pencil skir...
Chanel 1993 Ensemble Veste Jupe FR36 SS Ecru Cotton CC Jacket Skirt Suit UK8 US4
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel tailored jacket and skirt in textured ecru silk and cotton (presumably), comprising a sleeveless jacket with a small rounded notched collar, two patch pockets at the chest and...
Sold
Size: Top FR38 (US6) &pants FR34 (US2)
Chanel By Karl Lagerfeld Runway Star & Moon CC Logo Printed Silk Ensemble SS2008
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Geneva, CH
Iconic, chic and so versatile ! From the 2008 Spring-Summer Chanel collection under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld, the twin of this ensemble walked the runway as look 21. ...
Chanel 1998 Tailleur 3 pcs Bustier FR42 Boucle 3 pcs Corset Ensemble UK14 US12
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel SS1998 collection set by Karl Lagerfeld in blue bouclé wool composed of 3 pieces: a jacket, short sleeves, with collar closed by 5 CC logo buttons, 2 patch pockets at the hips...
2009 CHANEL White Boucle Fitted Jacket and Skirt Set
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
2009 Chanel White Wool Fitted Jacket and skirt set Beautiful chanel buttons. Perfect for bridal. Marked size 34f fit US 2 Jacket and skirt lined in silk Measurement for Jacket Bust f...
Karl Lagerfeld floral embroidery trim skirt suit, Collection F/W 1990
By Karl Lagerfeld
Located in New York, NY
Incredible Fall-Winter 1990 Karl Lagerfeld runway black skirt suit featuring metal embroidery work over velvet detailing on the blazer Double breast front with large velvet buttons,...
Chanel 1998 Ensemble FR38 Light Blue Cashmere CC set UK10 US8 Pristine
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel Cruise collection 1998 (?) set by Karl Lagerfeld composed of 3 pieces in sky blue cashmere knit edged with ecru including: a short-sleeved top or sweater, round neck closed wi...
Sold
Size: FR 36 (US 4 / UK 8 / IT 40)
Chanel By Karl Lagerfeld Textured Cotton-Knit "CC" Buttons Dress & Cardigan Set
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Geneva, CH
Whether you're summering on the Amalfi Coast or in the Hamptons, this late 80's - early 90’s Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld summer dress and matching cardigan ensure you look effortlessly ...
SS1997 Chanel Coat and Dress Tweed Silk Pink Ensemble US10
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel Spring Summer 1997 collection by Karl Lagerfeld composed of a pink wool and cotton blend tweed coat, notched collar closed with 6 CC logo buttons, 2 patch pockets on the hips,...
Chanel early 1990s Ensemble Veste FR38 Ecru Black Silk Suit Jacket US8
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel ensemble by Karl Lagerfeld circa 1990 in ecru silk trimmed with black ribbon composed of a jacket with notched collar closed with 4 CC-branded buttons, 4 patch pockets closed ...
FW1991 Chanel Pink Wool Jacket Ensemble FR40 US8
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel set by Karl Lagerfeld, Fall Winter 1991 collection, in bright pink wool terry, composed of a jacket, round collar closed with 3 CC-branded buttons, 2 patch pockets closed with...
SS2001 Chanel Tweed CC Skirt Ensemble FR36/38
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel Spring Summer 2001 collection collection in ecru and beige cotton blend tweed composed of a shirt jacket, classic collar closed with 6...