Karl Lagerfeld

HE touched so MANY LIVES, INCLUDING EVERYONE HERE at DRESS TO KILL.

Our Editor-at-Large, Stéphane Le Duc, has worked closely with Lagerfeld over the years, so, of course, he has numerous insights and stories to share.

"I had the chance to meet him on my very first trip to Paris back in 1988, as I was leaving the famous Studio Berçot’s students fashion show. He granted me an interview without hesitation, happily commenting on the work of the young graduates, simultaneously giving wings to the young, insecure reporter that I was. Shortly after, during my Perfecto years on MusiquePlus, I was able to access the sacrosanct Chanel Backstage, where I met again with a triumphant Karl after an astonishing fashion show. He welcomed me with refinement and enthusiastically commented on the top model movement, to which he greatly contributed. He outlined the exceptional talent of Linda Evangelista and Yasmeen Ghauri, whom he compared to actresses in silent movies. He even asked me why Canadian models are so pretty! During the ‘90s, I met frequently with Karl since he was always presenting the Chanel, Choé, and his own Lagerfeld collections all in the same week in Paris.

Speaking about Karl Lagerfeld in the past tense is tough for me. He's such a big part of my life for the last 30 years. I though he was eternal.

Karl Lagerfeld could talk about every subject, and his culture knew no bounds. When I asked him how he conceived joyful collections during grim periods such as the Gulf War, he explained without hesitation that the interwar period gave birth to some of the boldest collections.

In 1995, I witnessed his induction into the Sorbonne University where great intellectuals challenged him on his knowledge of the 18th century. I can confirm that they were no match for him, as he knew all about the writers, painters, and architects of that period.

I was always surprised by how much time he gave me after each fashion show, especially since it usually turned into a hysterical media storm. Even though I was surrounded by journalists and media who were much more notorious than I was, he always took the time to answer all my questions with humour and, sometimes, a touch of irony. My patience always paid off even after going from interview to interview, smoothly switching back and forth between French, English, German, and Italian, he always found the energy to defend his ideas and his vision of fashion. He enjoyed playing petanque at Place des Lices in St-Tropez, or watching guests fall off a mechanical bull in a western bar reconstituted by Chanel after a fashion show in Dallas, or just reuniting with New York City during one of his photo exhibitions dedicated to the Petite Veste Noire.

My last memory of him was during the 30-year anniversary of the Festival International de Mode et de Photographie in Hyères. He stayed there for four days to support tomorrow’s artists by meeting and exchanging with them, while also giving advice to the young talents who represent the future of our field. Karl was a brilliant, creative, bold, and provocative man, but, even more so, he was a generous man. It’s hard to imagine that I won’t be bumping into him at fashion shows anymore. It was an honour and a privilege to cross his path. Thanks for everything Karl!”

Canadian top models Meghan Collison, Heather Marks, and Emm Arruda (who’ve been featured in the magazine countless times) were no stranger to the legend either. Modelling in his sensational collections gave them some lasting impressions of Mr. Lagerfeld.

Meghan Collison

“Karl was a kind, passionate person. During the fittings I was lucky enough to experience with him, it was clear he had a strong vision and understanding of what he wanted to send down the runway. In a room full of people, you could tell everyone admired and respected him, including me. I remember the first time I met him, I was very nervous. He had on leather gloves and was drinking something from a very ornate chalice-type glass. All I could think was, ‘This man is incredible - how am I here right now?!’. The best part of walking Chanel was seeing the incredible sets and the grand scale of the art that was Karl Lagerfeld. He impacted my life and career because meeting, walking for, and giving him a kiss on the cheek was an absolute dream come true for a girl from Edmonton, Alberta. I will forever be grateful for the experience and opportunity to meet such an iconic designer. He will live on forever in our hearts and through his designs. [As Chuck Palahniuk said,] ‘The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.’”

Emm Arruda

“I didn’t know Karl too well on a personal level, but I feel so blessed to have been able to be a part of his vision and wear his designs while he was still alive. He was always so full of life in the fittings -- very much a character [and] passionate about what he does. I'm grateful for him giving me a chance and continuing to believe in me for three years straight now. I’ve been lucky enough to work for both Fendi and Chanel during his time. It won’t be the same without him. I can’t imagine how empty it will feel this season having him not be around to do the shows.”

Heather Marks

“Karl was the definition of loyal. He was extremely generous and kind. I always loved being in his presence. His energy and humour would light up any room.

I remember my first fashion show – I was 14 and so nervous. I had never walked in a show before. Karl came up to me before and after the show to tell me how wonderful I was. I remember feeling so overwhelmed walking alongside Linda Evangalista, Gisele, and Karolina Kurkova. Karl made sure I was comfortable, he boosted me with confidence, and gave me all the encouragement I needed to walk down the runway.

Karl was a genius — just being in his presence was so special. I’ll forever be grateful to him for believing in me at such a young age but also taking such good care of me. I believe that Karl gave me my first big push into the fashion world.”