Karl Lagerfeld

With his signature gothic style, world-famous cat and larger-than-life personality, Karl Lagerfeld became one of the most iconic personas in fashion history. Lagerfeld left an unmistakable mark on luxury fashion as the creative director of his namesake label, Fendi and Chanel (a position he held from 1984 until he passed in 2019). Born in Hamburg in 1933, Lagerfeld started his fashion career as Pierre Balmain's apprentice. After stints with Valentino, Chloé and Fendi (where he introduced the Double F logo), Lagerfeld was hired by Chanel in the 1980s, completely revolutionizing the French house with his self-proclaimed "intellectual sexiness." While his eponymous label was bought by Tommy Hilfiger in 2005, Karl Lagerfeld fashion still remains a popular brand, making shoes, bags and accessories.