In the aftermath of Karl Lagerfeld’s untimely demise on February 19th, the fashion realm finds itself grappling with the tremendous void left by the legendary designer. The burning question on everyone’s minds is undoubtedly: what will be the future of the Karl Lagerfeld brand’s creative direction?
Following Lagerfeld’s passing, Chanel swiftly appointed Virginie Viard as its new creative director, a decision that was met with both interest and speculation. On the other hand, Fendi has remained tight-lipped about their plans moving forward, leaving many wondering about the fate of the brand under a new creative leader.
Enter the Karl Lagerfeld label, a brand known for its more accessible appeal which heavily relied on Lagerfeld’s distinctive touch and innovative vision. Pier Paolo Righi, the brand’s CEO, recently shed some light on the legacy of Lagerfeld and the talented team that surrounded him. Notably, Righi highlighted the role of Hun Kim, the brand’s design director who enjoyed a close working relationship with Lagerfeld and earned his trust over the years. Righi also teased a potential collaboration with renowned fashion expert Carine Roitfeld, hinting at a possible shift in the brand’s creative direction.
However, when pressed about the prospect of assuming a larger role within the brand, Carine Roitfeld expressed surprise at the rumors. She clarified that her involvement was limited to The Edit, a project tied to the Fall 2019 collection she had been assisting with. Despite swirling speculations about Kim and Roitfeld potentially taking the reins of the brand’s creative direction, the Karl Lagerfeld label remained enigmatic about its future plans. It was emphasized that this is a period for contemplation and that no definitive decisions have been made regarding the direction ahead.
While the aftermath of Karl Lagerfeld’s passing has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the fashion universe, the industry eagerly awaits the unveiling of what the future holds for the Karl Lagerfeld brand. With a strong creative team already in place and hints of new collaborations on the horizon, the brand seems poised for a fresh era under a new direction. As the fashion world continues to mourn the loss of an icon, the spirit and creative essence instilled by Lagerfeld lives on through those he inspired and worked alongside.
For more information on the Karl Lagerfeld brand’s creative direction, check out these relevant sources:
Vogue UK
Business of Fashion.
