Next Sunday will be an hour long special called The Life and Death of Karl Lagerfeld, it's my most researched video and I'm incredibly proud of it, it's an absolute must see if youre interesting in ANYTHING about Karl. Or even if you're not its the single best video Ive ever made, you're going to love it. So if you haven't got notifications on, now is the time to click that button! And if you want early access to it, its available on Patreon a week early (so now). I believe the minimum pledge is $1 too if you want to put in your own amount instead of choosing a tier
Very excited and your videos bring me so much joy and learning so thank you and the team (if you have one, I'm not sure lol) for putting this love sweat & tears. I'm going through a lot & it brings me joy to have your videos to watch
@@debbienehikhuere I definitely dont have a team, I make literally everything myself, its a lot fo work, not a lot of social life and a weekly (sometimes daily) breakdown until I can quit my day job hahahah
Where to begin...this video is so nuanced. Like when you mention and show that it was directionless...and how part of that lack of direction is from the team's inability to distinguish between Karl being chic and not being cool. That's so true. I'm working on my own fashion brand and this essay just showed how important it is to be able to properly communicate one's idea of fashion. It may exist in your head, even be in the way you live your own life but once it comes to communicating it to others then the slippery game begins. Anyways, thanks for another great video!
Im glad you liked it 🥰 yeah its called brand communication and its so fundamental to a business to have a unified vision of itself. Its been the fall of so so many brands, Fenty, J Crew, Karl etc the list really goes on
So smart and so sophisticated and so elegant and so incredibly talented. I think the worst side of his career was that he was famous for designing for already famous labels. We all know the names but yet he was never really successful in creating his own Brand level that he was accustomed designing. He will always be missed.
Karl Lagerfeld said that Coco Chanel was a stupid for not choosing her successor to continue her legacy and in the end he did even worse, he not only didn't pick his successor but he didn't even crate a vision for his own Name brand. I think it is very ironic. But now, knowing his personal story (thank you for that video) we can see how little he really thought about himself due to his childhood, he was raised to accommodate other and adjust to people around him so he has a clear vision for other brands but not to his own
I think he was referring to the fact that she was feeling very happy, and didn’t choose somebody to revive the plant while she still could, while his Chanel was still doing well up until his death. But yeah, it would’ve been nice to see him choose his own successor
Love your videos. Fun fact, Karl Lagerfeld has recently became popular here in South Africa, I first heard of this brand here when I was in one of their stores. I asked myself why such a brand like Karl's made such clothes that do not resonate with his other works (eg. Fendi).
I live in Amsterdam and pass by a huge mansion on one of the canal's each day wich houses i presume the head office of the Lagerfeld brand. But always wondered if this brand is still a commercial succes. Thnx for giving me an insight! His early 90's collections i adored btw, especially his stiletto heels were amazing.
Amster-damnnn youre lucky to live there, beautiful city (tho it rains every time I visit) Im not sure if their head office is there, but a big grand building does sound like Karl 😂 I wonder if it was one of his homes converted
Would love to see a rise and fall of Lanvin, given Sialelli’s very recent departure and talks of restructuring the brand would be great to hear your comprehensive analysis of this house.
Oh yes, the rise and fall of Lanvin will be a hoot! To this day, I still think Alber(RIP) really had the potential to reach what Karl did at Chanel and Fendi, it was really a shock he got ousted and the brand fell off its fame ever since
@@telaxonu I agree! I always thought of Alber as the “next Lagerfeld” probably why l mentioned Lanvin. Unfortunately they probably didn’t see his vision and clipped his wings.
SO, I finished about two months of research for my video next week on the life and death of Karl and one of the biggest themes that came from all of that research is just how well loved he was. But also, why he became so well loved and its FASCINATING! I wont ruin the video (because its the best video Ive ever made) but I genuinely think its a reflection of his mothers treatment of him
@@understitchYT If you ever think in making a video about people’s perception about Karl, I’d love to contribute with a translation of a Brazilian fashion journalist who talked about her meetings with him. Everybody loved him indeed.
Great video! Super interesting to see the history of it all, because ive been following the name changes through the years but never quite catch why they were changing it. Last night I was watching the Karl Lagerfeld 1996 spring show...its a fantastic 28minute show, all the supermodels were there, and the clothes are beyond!!! then I remember lagerfeld gallery in 2004...and the 2006 first show in NY. Thanks for taking us through the whole story with so many unknow details (at least for me). I would also ask, I think some other person did ask you, to do a video about the Lanvin House. Also you could include Rise and fall of models.
Im so glad you enjoyed the video, I really have loved looking over Karls entire career and history over the last two months, theres been just so much that I didnt know and Im glad that comes across. In regards to Lanvin; I would LOVE to do a video on them, idk how clickable itll be, but I have just so much to say
I have a few pieces from an early version of the diffusion line (2016-2018?) and they’re fantastic. A Chanel-style jacket, ladylike tweedy texture with a bit of cool slouch, and a feminine raincoat, both beautifully made, great details (e.g. custom linings and buttons), on par with luxe store offerings. Sad that it has devolved to just t-shirts. Admittedly, I purchased both those pieces on sale - so it could be there just wasn’t a customer base for paying full price for quality mass produced items. So it’s now either cheap tees or thousands for a jacket. Rising inequality and the shrinking middle class and all that.
Yeah its really a shame that it came to this, Im not sure how much longer they can stay afloat, but I did an analysis of the perfume line for my underskin, channel (comes out Sunday) and it became clearer how theyve managed to stay at least afloat
I believe that Karl, later in life, was more focused upon scattering the brand so future visionaries could have fun and freedom creating within whatever context feeds those feelings. I believe this attitude focused upon freeing his brand from being locked into the exclusive "museums of the chic" is alluded to in the creative and commercial collaborations mentioned early in this video. Reminds me of Salvador Dali later in life, to the chagrin of his high-end collector base, flooding the market with print releases and public appearances. Thanks so much for the thoroughly informative video.⚡
Great video! I always wondered why this brand never quite succeeded compared to all of the other fashion ventures that Karl is known for. The Karl Lagerfeld brand never reached its potential or the original vision of Karl.
Its a real shame isnt it? I feel like if Karl had the right business people (perhaps Renzo Rosso) that genuinely understood fashion and retailing to steer the company, as he did with Fendi and Chanel, it wouldve been a hit
It’s my birthday, and I’ve the worse cold since I got covid (it’s not Covid), so thanks for delivery. I need to cheer up & having something distract me
the online shops I generally shop at have the KL label and I have to say, they do have some very interesting, cool pieces, both for clothes as well as accessories. they're just lost in a sea of cutsie Karl mascot items. which is sooo weird because Karl never struck me as a figure made for cutsie mascots. they also have an odd price point. they use high street/Zara materials (fake leather, polyester etc.) but they're over even the general mid-range level. also, given the placement on the affordable side, their size range is pretty limited. they're sort of stuck in a weird place, in terms of the market and seem to appeal mainly to people that enjoy having labels plastered on their clothes. which, again, is the anthesis of the Karl Lagerfeld aesthetic.
OMGGGG I got so excited seeing this because I became a Karl Lagerfeld fan from watching your videos on other luxury brands. I didn't know He actually had a namesake brand. None of the documentaries I watched mentioned it. I guess because it wasn't really as successful as his work in other bigger labels. This is so interesting! IM SO EFFIN EXCITED FOR THAT LAGER-FEST VIDEO IM SO READY!!! I Absolutely want to see how all his life's work are laid out together. This channel is such a gem for a poor, naïve fashion fan like me. Because I can never afford such brands but as a sewist, I'm fascinated by all the work behind them.
Well now you know why they never mention it! ahah Youre going to love Sundays video so much, its literally the best, most in depth video I have ever made. I cant explain how much work and research went into it. If its not the most detailed Karl video on the internet Ill eat my hat
Theres a lot of documentaries on Karl, and so many of them gave insight to how he worked and how well liked and yet revered he was. Such an interesting man
To many brands have sacrificed their identity for the sake of maximising profits, the sports collections at Armani, Prada, or Karl are the equivalent of the SUV market explosion on the car industry...every car brand makes SUV now, even if it completely ruins their image...
I dont think karl intentionally sacrificed it tho. I think the business people sacrificed it on his behalf and he just didnt do marketing so didnt notice how bastardised his company was becoming
@@applethree6128 I dont think thats destroying authenticity at all, thats just a design style. The problem with KL was that the people doing the business for his company didnt understand what was Karls image and persona (his autheticity if you will)
I have a pair of $50 KL summer heeled sandals. They’re so comfy. I’ve had them for years. Not revolutionary, verging on Nine West but good shoes. Wish KL had done a long term collaboration with a mass retailer like Target. I loved and bought lots of the collections they did with Issac Mizrahi.
Karl was a chameleon. He needed a strong signature to energize him. That was his particular brand of creativity and he was damn good at it. He was extremely successful. But “world’s best modern designer” is a massively dubious claim. He is absolutely one of the best, he was a great branding and marketing genius, he was a solid designer.
I believe he didn’t showcase his own style to the world long enough so his brand lacked brand identity. He was used to designing commercially and in the eyes of another fashion house. He developed other brands identities but neglected his. And that left a disconnected with the consumer and the foundation of his brand.
Im new to fashion, been looking at videos a bit. I cant help but wonder if those KL pieces would have more value today? 😅 Just curious. Excellent video btw! 🎉
I had walked into one of these Karl Lagerfeld stores recently, I was shocked and disgusted how ugly the things they try to sell. Totally low quality, poor taste, poorly designed. It was scary!
Its awfully tacky, isnt it? I went in a few shops over the years and literally none have been good. What I wouldnt give to go into Lagerfeld Gallery tho
Thank you for your time and indep research that you put into your videos. I love Karl Lagerfield clothing line. As I'm typing this I'm wearing one of his logo black/white shirt with last season wedge heels. My favorite colors are black and white,and I feel in love with his line when I saw Naomi Campbell in his Black and white track suit. I immediately went online and ordered it,that was 2019😊. Yes,he said some awful things. However, as you stated in your other video hurt,and lonely ppl.hurt people. Furthermore, I enjoy wearing his designs because I like to stand out from the masses that's stuck on MK, Gucci and LV. Keep up the good work ❤
Their product is actually not bad at all, its only the amrketing side thats bastardised his image so much, theres a few comments from people that knew him here that confirm it too
As a marketing professional and my late Fiance having worked for Lagerfeld Paris I can honestly say I understand the direction of the new brand. You cannot make another Chanel clone, you have to make something different. What they weren't getting with Chanel or Fendi was the youth market who can afford mid market, but want a high end mystique. This is proven with the streetwear/high end collab trend of Gucci, LV etc with Jeremy Scott/Adidas, Nike Supreme, etc. The Lagerfeld stuff is better quality than Armani Exchange, more sophisticated than Diesel, and more affordable than Moschino. I don't see anything wrong with that. It makes sense if you want younger up and coming buyers.
The *product* was actually quite good, youre not wrong there. But the marketing of it is so tacky that its offputting to the demographic theyre trying to reach, and thats seen in lacklustre sales. Young people might buy armani exchange, but their marketing is far more cool than a chibi image of an elderly (now dead) man 🤷
I love your honesty. Well researched as with all your vidéos and well narrated too, thank you. He once told me that he did not care about this KL line because it was just an investment firm and that he really loved working with Bernard Arnaud and the wertheimers who treat him well and do things the way they should be done, quality, good people etc. I wish I had asked him why he continued with it as he clearly did not need the money. Yes the brand brings nothing to the world or to his great legacy.
I’m glad to have confirmation on something that I suspected, thank you so much for adding your personal memory to that. I also wish I knew why he continued with it, I guess he just wanted something that could be a legacy, and when it didn’t turn out the way that he planned, he just didn’t care? a really interesting man and a really interesting brand
@@understitchYT ps if ever you require the video footage of those comments, I would be happy to dig them out for you. Am really looking forward to your McQueen video. Your work makes such a difference to the general un-researched online garbage. I'll try to spread to word as much as I can :)
May I ask what did you study to gain knowledge and skill like you do? I found your content so intriguing to me and would love to learn similar subjects.
He had a luxurious life. IMO there’s too much competition these days. I used to work for Lancôme and Estée Lauder and they were considered top of the line cosmetics. Nowadays there’s good products without the big price
It hit the nail on the head . The logo for Karl Lagerfeld is juvenile to said the least. it lead the style to no where. I believe its combination Ego and self-hatred. The is a famous Chinese story about the Monkey king. Monkey king have managed to defeat everyone that was powerful. But there was one person he could defeat. It was his Ego. Good video, however its too pain to watch.
🤔🤔🤔 I guess his collab with Grand Theft Auto IV in 2008 makes more sense as it was using his likeness and not his designs. Tho it would have been cool to see some Lagerfeld in game clothing.
I can't agree with you that Lagerfeld is arguably "the world's best modern designer". Lagerfeld was certainly an outstanding stylist but as a designer he wasn't even close to Balenciaga, St. Laurent, or Givenchy.
Well thats why its ‘arguably’, I consider most of the names you said to be older designers, while Karl was still working until recently when he died. Though I think theres also arguements to be made for Galliano, McQueen, Kawakubo, Mugler, van Herpen, theres a lot of very important names that could be the worlds best modern designer
@@understitchYT I agree with your list. I put Lagerfeld in the company of historic designers because his career was so long he was working when they were at the height of their careers. Lagerfeld too, has entered the realm of "historic designer". I think Lagerfeld must also have been among the most intelligent and knowledgeable designers of all - he really was a very clever man.
I could agree with either ilk tbh, he could be modern, could be historic, just because of how extremely long his career was. I wonder if we will ever see another stint of fashion like his again
Oh man such a shame it became this overly branded “Karl” logo merch. I actually own a piece, a kimono with a camo print, that I wear a lot in the summer.
Interestingly imo, the problem isnt with the clothes. Its with the lack of consistent brand communication. The clothes arent entirely bad, they just arent branded or marketed well and then cheapened by gimmicky karl chibi crap
That’s the type of brand young Karl would take on his hands and make it fashionable again. Quite ironic. 😅 But yeah… He had already everything, If he couldn’t go nuts with his own brand, why should he put any effort on it?!
Hahahahahha, well yeah, turning around so many brands youd think so, but the difference is those companies all had good business sides too. KL simply didnt. I think it was foolish to leave OTB honestly, that was definitely their best bet at success
Honestly there's a difference between a creator, an artist, and a replicator and keeper of someone else's work and ideas to manage and insure the perpetuity. Lagerfeld was a master of shock both in statements through reinterpretation of others work or more often, his offensive mouth. He was just a great publicist strategist and marketer. Left to his own creations, he was just repetitive and only used shock mainly as means of innovation.
Youre absolutely right, theyre all doffernet kinds of designers, and it seems natural that Karl was a reinventor because thats what was needed of him in his career. Fascinating man, fascinating industry
@@understitchYT I personally prefer originals and true creators, many to be named from the old original houses to the new talent. Granted this houses need keepers of the tradition, that's why people favor certain styles and offerings from particular houses, but while I am neutral to Lagerfeld as a person, I don't agree with the over hyped mythical status of someone who wasn't able to make his own vision, his own house become icon the houses he kept are. And he's by no means the only keeper, yet he seems to be in the group that was unable to do anything with his house unlike, say Galliano or Alexander McQueen to name a few who are truly deserving of their status. Especially considering the fact he was being propelled by multiple legendary houses. Again, nothing against the person and businesses wise yes great publicity stunts and marketing ability, but I don't see him as the design genius he's portrayed as.
@@makdle66 Its just different trends in what people want from fashion houses imo. Like, maybe in 10 years or 20 we will once again prize someone for continuing to evolve an aesthetic once again, instead of the reinvention style that is more popular at the moment
I seriously hope so. But imo the problem is the way the management treats the business as a cash grab. They dont seem to understand that they need something (probably as a loss leader) to give them design credibility which then raises brand equity and sells their cash cows. You need that design to keep the brand equity up so the cash cows dont become undesirable. They arent willing to invest in that to build the business and thats a shame (and maybe the wrong time atm?)
Its a testament to how import the marketing and business side of the business actually is. If carelessness and greed can ruin Karl Lagerfeld, it could ruin anything
Karl was wery brave to stand up agaist anrgy fat people who body shamed thin models since forever. "My body, my choice" was immediately forgot when they pointed fingers on Kate Moss and others. Good that someone did actualy stand against it. Karl had talent and good heart.
come on now, it's never okay to shame someone of any size. At best we can put it down to the 90s-2010s being just not a very positive time for anyone and generally it being quite a judgmental time
@@understitchYT as i told, these feminazis shame everyone all the time, including thin models. Karl actually deffended his models. gentleman like he was.
But there are less embarrassing ways to make something accessible to the masses, if you think of Armani exchange, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren all of these are accessible brands in the luxury space and yet not anywhere near as embarrassing as a cartoon version of Karl
No manner of fancy clothing can make up for his nasty attitude. Normalize ignoring artists who are jerks. And shout out to the rise of curvy girls in fashion
I agree that his comments were not okay, but what I don’t understand is why some other celebrities haven’t seen the backlash that he has. The way that people have really come for Karl. Most 90 celebrities have said things equally, as bad or worse than he has, like Paris Hilton is a great example, so is David Walliams, even the Royal family have said awful things, but no one has cancelled them, they are all still in favour (well not all of the Royal family, just for a different reason). It’s upsetting to me that the energy that people have Karl isn’t universal and seems very targeted towards him
This video is about the brand, not the person. I have a video called The Life and Death of Karl Lagerfeld if youd like to know more about him personally
I've seen Mr Lagerfeild many times when I was with my monarch friends from the middle east ... It was said, met let his death. When we where not allowed access to the party in Luxeombourg city the year he died to protect ... He died! It's my daughter, Phebes Valentina ... that he died by. Not me, they call thee mother of war. He died when we felt helpless together ... And it's honest! It's very honest
*I **_liked_** him until he made major racist comments about refugees here in Germany.* He should have stayed in his lane. He sounded old and bitter. I never looked at him the same.
What a strange comment. I’m guessing you never knew him on any sort of personal level so how is it relevant that his beliefs affected you? We’re here to discuss his business. Sit down.
@@CauseImSmokingYourMenthols I hope and pray you end up being a refugee one day and have old, irrelevant fashion designers deny you access to your human rights! ✨ #amen 🙏
I know exactly what youre talking about, when he quoted someone talking about the holocaust. He shouldnt have quoted it, but it is taken out of context. I hope you come back next week to watch my full video on Karl because I talk about these quotes and why they came to be
@@schnioulaYikes! One can clearly see your compassion, understanding and reasoning from your wishes of ill will . I don’t see any reason to continue something I shouldn’t have gotten involved in, I feel sullied enough.
He has evidenced more than anyone else an ability to revive failing fashion houses, so Id argue best, but I dont necessarily think hes that popular. Hes well respected, but his public image isnt what Id consider to be popular, but I suppose thats subjective
@@understitchYT Karl Lagerfeld brand is trash, but it was meant to be so. Lagerfeld himself talked about it many times, that he did not care. He liked his image to be used on various cheap products and same way he treated his brand. Also, he said that some investors did not want to pay enough money, so he just left it, he did not care. KL brand i see as an extension of his persona which managed to mix highs and lows ✌️
Im so confused, what part of this is ‘hating’? I would love to see this done well, but its not happening and its no longer Karls vision. Thats not hating 😂
Next Sunday will be an hour long special called The Life and Death of Karl Lagerfeld, it's my most researched video and I'm incredibly proud of it, it's an absolute must see if youre interesting in ANYTHING about Karl. Or even if you're not its the single best video Ive ever made, you're going to love it. So if you haven't got notifications on, now is the time to click that button!
And if you want early access to it, its available on Patreon a week early (so now). I believe the minimum pledge is $1 too if you want to put in your own amount instead of choosing a tier
I'm very much looking forward!!
Oh, so excited for this one!
Very excited and your videos bring me so much joy and learning so thank you and the team (if you have one, I'm not sure lol) for putting this love sweat & tears.
I'm going through a lot & it brings me joy to have your videos to watch
Yes. Karl was my favorite designer. So inspiring. I can’t wait for the video
@@debbienehikhuere I definitely dont have a team, I make literally everything myself, its a lot fo work, not a lot of social life and a weekly (sometimes daily) breakdown until I can quit my day job hahahah
I would LOVE to see a video dedicated to Calvin Klein and Mugler, specially the rise of mugler
How did you read my mind so well 🤔🤔🤔
And also Paul Smith! Thank you for the very well researched and eloquently conducted videos ❤
Where to begin...this video is so nuanced. Like when you mention and show that it was directionless...and how part of that lack of direction is from the team's inability to distinguish between Karl being chic and not being cool. That's so true. I'm working on my own fashion brand and this essay just showed how important it is to be able to properly communicate one's idea of fashion. It may exist in your head, even be in the way you live your own life but once it comes to communicating it to others then the slippery game begins. Anyways, thanks for another great video!
Im glad you liked it 🥰 yeah its called brand communication and its so fundamental to a business to have a unified vision of itself. Its been the fall of so so many brands, Fenty, J Crew, Karl etc the list really goes on
So smart and so sophisticated and so elegant and so incredibly talented. I think the worst side of his career was that he was famous for designing for already famous labels. We all know the names but yet he was never really successful in creating his own Brand level that he was accustomed designing. He will always be missed.
Karl Lagerfeld said that Coco Chanel was a stupid for not choosing her successor to continue her legacy and in the end he did even worse, he not only didn't pick his successor but he didn't even crate a vision for his own Name brand. I think it is very ironic.
But now, knowing his personal story (thank you for that video) we can see how little he really thought about himself due to his childhood, he was raised to accommodate other and adjust to people around him so he has a clear vision for other brands but not to his own
I think he was referring to the fact that she was feeling very happy, and didn’t choose somebody to revive the plant while she still could, while his Chanel was still doing well up until his death.
But yeah, it would’ve been nice to see him choose his own successor
Karl Lagerfeld made Chanel the most beautiful and most luxurious brand in the world.
Love your videos. Fun fact, Karl Lagerfeld has recently became popular here in South Africa, I first heard of this brand here when I was in one of their stores. I asked myself why such a brand like Karl's made such clothes that do not resonate with his other works (eg. Fendi).
Oh thank you so much! Im surprised its becoming popular, is there a particular hit product?
I live in Amsterdam and pass by a huge mansion on one of the canal's each day wich houses i presume the head office of the Lagerfeld brand.
But always wondered if this brand is still a commercial succes.
Thnx for giving me an insight!
His early 90's collections i adored btw, especially his stiletto heels were amazing.
Amster-damnnn youre lucky to live there, beautiful city (tho it rains every time I visit) Im not sure if their head office is there, but a big grand building does sound like Karl 😂 I wonder if it was one of his homes converted
@@understitchYT I just checked, it is their head office. 😉
Would love to see a rise and fall of Lanvin, given Sialelli’s very recent departure and talks of restructuring the brand would be great to hear your comprehensive analysis of this house.
Oh I have things to say about Lanvin
Oh yes, the rise and fall of Lanvin will be a hoot! To this day, I still think Alber(RIP) really had the potential to reach what Karl did at Chanel and Fendi, it was really a shock he got ousted and the brand fell off its fame ever since
@@telaxonu I agree actually, he was a gem for them that they didnt utilise properly
@@understitchYT I’m sure you do, look forward to hearing them as always ❤️
@@telaxonu I agree! I always thought of Alber as the “next Lagerfeld” probably why l mentioned Lanvin. Unfortunately they probably didn’t see his vision and clipped his wings.
Amazingly on every videos about Lagerfeld on the comments sections there are only praises from people who knew him personally.
SO, I finished about two months of research for my video next week on the life and death of Karl and one of the biggest themes that came from all of that research is just how well loved he was. But also, why he became so well loved and its FASCINATING! I wont ruin the video (because its the best video Ive ever made) but I genuinely think its a reflection of his mothers treatment of him
@@understitchYT hasn't their been receny criticism of him thought for fat shaming and racist behavior?
@@understitchYT If you ever think in making a video about people’s perception about Karl, I’d love to contribute with a translation of a Brazilian fashion journalist who talked about her meetings with him. Everybody loved him indeed.
@@understitchYTwhere is that video on yr channel?
Great video! Super interesting to see the history of it all, because ive been following the name changes through the years but never quite catch why they were changing it. Last night I was watching the Karl Lagerfeld 1996 spring show...its a fantastic 28minute show, all the supermodels were there, and the clothes are beyond!!! then I remember lagerfeld gallery in 2004...and the 2006 first show in NY. Thanks for taking us through the whole story with so many unknow details (at least for me). I would also ask, I think some other person did ask you, to do a video about the Lanvin House. Also you could include Rise and fall of models.
Im so glad you enjoyed the video, I really have loved looking over Karls entire career and history over the last two months, theres been just so much that I didnt know and Im glad that comes across.
In regards to Lanvin; I would LOVE to do a video on them, idk how clickable itll be, but I have just so much to say
Rise and fall of models sounds amazing
I hope that you do a Helmut Lang video one day.
Thatd be such an interesting video, esp with the new minimalism trends coming in now
I have a few pieces from an early version of the diffusion line (2016-2018?) and they’re fantastic. A Chanel-style jacket, ladylike tweedy texture with a bit of cool slouch, and a feminine raincoat, both beautifully made, great details (e.g. custom linings and buttons), on par with luxe store offerings. Sad that it has devolved to just t-shirts.
Admittedly, I purchased both those pieces on sale - so it could be there just wasn’t a customer base for paying full price for quality mass produced items. So it’s now either cheap tees or thousands for a jacket. Rising inequality and the shrinking middle class and all that.
Yeah its really a shame that it came to this, Im not sure how much longer they can stay afloat, but I did an analysis of the perfume line for my underskin, channel (comes out Sunday) and it became clearer how theyve managed to stay at least afloat
I've seen Karl Lagerfeld brand sneakers at Ross Dress For Less, so I knew that couldn't be a good sign lol
And TK Maxx in England too
I know nothing of fashion but I've always had an interest. I'm here to learn and you're a great teacher!
I’m so glad to feed that interest 💕
a great and insightful video. I've always wondered why his namesake always seemed like an afterthought compared to the other brands he shaped.
Its such a real shame isnt it?
@@understitchYT for sure!
I believe that Karl, later in life, was more focused upon scattering the brand so future visionaries could have fun and freedom creating within whatever context feeds those feelings. I believe this attitude focused upon freeing his brand from being locked into the exclusive "museums of the chic" is alluded to in the creative and commercial collaborations mentioned early in this video. Reminds me of Salvador Dali later in life, to the chagrin of his high-end collector base, flooding the market with print releases and public appearances. Thanks so much for the thoroughly informative video.⚡
The shame of that has been the cheapening of his own name though
Great video! I always wondered why this brand never quite succeeded compared to all of the other fashion ventures that Karl is known for. The Karl Lagerfeld brand never reached its potential or the original vision of Karl.
Its a real shame isnt it? I feel like if Karl had the right business people (perhaps Renzo Rosso) that genuinely understood fashion and retailing to steer the company, as he did with Fendi and Chanel, it wouldve been a hit
It’s my birthday, and I’ve the worse cold since I got covid (it’s not Covid), so thanks for delivery. I need to cheer up & having something distract me
Oh noooo I hope you feel well soon 💕
Well documented and edited video❤
Thank you 🙏
the online shops I generally shop at have the KL label and I have to say, they do have some very interesting, cool pieces, both for clothes as well as accessories. they're just lost in a sea of cutsie Karl mascot items. which is sooo weird because Karl never struck me as a figure made for cutsie mascots. they also have an odd price point. they use high street/Zara materials (fake leather, polyester etc.) but they're over even the general mid-range level. also, given the placement on the affordable side, their size range is pretty limited. they're sort of stuck in a weird place, in terms of the market and seem to appeal mainly to people that enjoy having labels plastered on their clothes. which, again, is the anthesis of the Karl Lagerfeld aesthetic.
Right? Its such a confused branding and product range. Its not a cohesive vision of a brand at all, its just generally so ill advised
OMGGGG I got so excited seeing this because I became a Karl Lagerfeld fan from watching your videos on other luxury brands. I didn't know He actually had a namesake brand. None of the documentaries I watched mentioned it. I guess because it wasn't really as successful as his work in other bigger labels. This is so interesting! IM SO EFFIN EXCITED FOR THAT LAGER-FEST VIDEO IM SO READY!!! I Absolutely want to see how all his life's work are laid out together. This channel is such a gem for a poor, naïve fashion fan like me. Because I can never afford such brands but as a sewist, I'm fascinated by all the work behind them.
Well now you know why they never mention it! ahah Youre going to love Sundays video so much, its literally the best, most in depth video I have ever made. I cant explain how much work and research went into it. If its not the most detailed Karl video on the internet Ill eat my hat
@@understitchYT OMG I NEED TO SET A REMINDER FOR THAT!!! 🤩🤩🤩
There was a TV doc with Karl Lagerfeld and all the seamstresses .Very nice photography and pace
Theres a lot of documentaries on Karl, and so many of them gave insight to how he worked and how well liked and yet revered he was. Such an interesting man
To many brands have sacrificed their identity for the sake of maximising profits, the sports collections at Armani, Prada, or Karl are the equivalent of the SUV market explosion on the car industry...every car brand makes SUV now, even if it completely ruins their image...
I dont think karl intentionally sacrificed it tho. I think the business people sacrificed it on his behalf and he just didnt do marketing so didnt notice how bastardised his company was becoming
Agree the maximalism mixed with the urge of imitate casual / streets wear / Gen-z aesthetic is destroying the authenticity of the brands
@@applethree6128 I dont think thats destroying authenticity at all, thats just a design style. The problem with KL was that the people doing the business for his company didnt understand what was Karls image and persona (his autheticity if you will)
I have a pair of $50 KL summer heeled sandals. They’re so comfy. I’ve had them for years. Not revolutionary, verging on Nine West but good shoes. Wish KL had done a long term collaboration with a mass retailer like Target. I loved and bought lots of the collections they did with Issac Mizrahi.
I think if H&M didnt screw him over like they did he couldve honestly
Karl was a chameleon. He needed a strong signature to energize him. That was his particular brand of creativity and he was damn good at it. He was extremely successful. But “world’s best modern designer” is a massively dubious claim. He is absolutely one of the best, he was a great branding and marketing genius, he was a solid designer.
I suppose it depends on what you consider to be best, chameleonic vs own style, then prolific vs impactful
I believe he didn’t showcase his own style to the world long enough so his brand lacked brand identity. He was used to designing commercially and in the eyes of another fashion house. He developed other brands identities but neglected his. And that left a disconnected with the consumer and the foundation of his brand.
Im new to fashion, been looking at videos a bit. I cant help but wonder if those KL pieces would have more value today? 😅 Just curious.
Excellent video btw! 🎉
They will for a bit and then itll decline again
I had walked into one of these Karl Lagerfeld stores recently, I was shocked and disgusted how ugly the things they try to sell. Totally low quality, poor taste, poorly designed. It was scary!
Its awfully tacky, isnt it? I went in a few shops over the years and literally none have been good. What I wouldnt give to go into Lagerfeld Gallery tho
SUPPPPERRRR EXCITED FOR THE NEXT VIDEO 💙
Many sleepless nights and tears have gone into it, you’re going to love it
Thank you for your time and indep research that you put into your videos. I love Karl Lagerfield clothing line. As I'm typing this I'm wearing one of his logo black/white shirt with last season wedge heels. My favorite colors are black and white,and I feel in love with his line when I saw Naomi Campbell in his Black and white track suit. I immediately went online and ordered it,that was 2019😊. Yes,he said some awful things. However, as you stated in your other video hurt,and lonely ppl.hurt people. Furthermore, I enjoy wearing his designs because I like to stand out from the masses that's stuck on MK, Gucci and LV. Keep up the good work ❤
Their product is actually not bad at all, its only the amrketing side thats bastardised his image so much, theres a few comments from people that knew him here that confirm it too
I love your videos! Thank you for making them ❤
Im so glad to hear that 💕 tysm
The guy at 21:37 looks exactly like Jacques de Bascher.
Could you please do one on christian lacroix?
I would love to actually, maybe after fashion week
@@understitchYT wonderful I can’t wait !!!!
Jesus, I love your channel soooo much, thank you for doing such a great job ❤
Im so glad you enjoy my work! Thank you so much 💕
As a marketing professional and my late Fiance having worked for Lagerfeld Paris I can honestly say I understand the direction of the new brand. You cannot make another Chanel clone, you have to make something different. What they weren't getting with Chanel or Fendi was the youth market who can afford mid market, but want a high end mystique. This is proven with the streetwear/high end collab trend of Gucci, LV etc with Jeremy Scott/Adidas, Nike Supreme, etc. The Lagerfeld stuff is better quality than Armani Exchange, more sophisticated than Diesel, and more affordable than Moschino. I don't see anything wrong with that. It makes sense if you want younger up and coming buyers.
The *product* was actually quite good, youre not wrong there. But the marketing of it is so tacky that its offputting to the demographic theyre trying to reach, and thats seen in lacklustre sales. Young people might buy armani exchange, but their marketing is far more cool than a chibi image of an elderly (now dead) man 🤷
I love your honesty. Well researched as with all your vidéos and well narrated too, thank you. He once told me that he did not care about this KL line because it was just an investment firm and that he really loved working with Bernard Arnaud and the wertheimers who treat him well and do things the way they should be done, quality, good people etc. I wish I had asked him why he continued with it as he clearly did not need the money. Yes the brand brings nothing to the world or to his great legacy.
I’m glad to have confirmation on something that I suspected, thank you so much for adding your personal memory to that. I also wish I knew why he continued with it, I guess he just wanted something that could be a legacy, and when it didn’t turn out the way that he planned, he just didn’t care? a really interesting man and a really interesting brand
@@understitchYT ps if ever you require the video footage of those comments, I would be happy to dig them out for you. Am really looking forward to your McQueen video. Your work makes such a difference to the general un-researched online garbage. I'll try to spread to word as much as I can :)
May I ask what did you study to gain knowledge and skill like you do? I found your content so intriguing to me and would love to learn similar subjects.
I did the foundation at CSM bcs of my love of fashion design, then I transferred to another uni where I studied retailing and marketing
@@understitchYT thank you so much for replying:) you are definitely very good!
Thank you, Im glad you enjoy 🙌
Well, this is perfect timing. ❤
I try my best *that cringe hairflip thing*
@@understitchYT ahahahahaha
He had a luxurious life. IMO there’s too much competition these days. I used to work for Lancôme and Estée Lauder and they were considered top of the line cosmetics. Nowadays there’s good products without the big price
These days Im interested in both, theyve both tried to come into fashion with varying results so theyve been interesting to watch diversify
It hit the nail on the head . The logo for Karl Lagerfeld is juvenile to said the least. it lead the style to no where. I believe its combination Ego and self-hatred. The is a famous Chinese story about the Monkey king. Monkey king have managed to defeat everyone that was powerful. But there was one person he could defeat. It was his Ego. Good video, however its too pain to watch.
I’m glad you enjoyed the video so much, I totally understand what you mean about the proverb
Looks like this one was an "all fall" episode :), "the fall and more fall of Karl Lagerfeld"
Agree. The brand never quite reached its potential.
In terms of sales, yeah pretty much, but at least in the beginning it was well received 🥹
I wish you would make an episode on Marc Jacobs
Oh thatd be sooooo interesting (and lots of handsome photos)
🤔🤔🤔 I guess his collab with Grand Theft Auto IV in 2008 makes more sense as it was using his likeness and not his designs.
Tho it would have been cool to see some Lagerfeld in game clothing.
He very much wanted to do that actually! He seemed to think it was great fun, he even did one of the radio stations in the game
He very much wanted to do that actually! He seemed to think it was great fun, he even did one of the radio stations in the game
TY for this content
Ty for commenting!! 💕
I luv how passionate this video is
Im so glad you liked it, I cant wait for you to see Sundays video I cried countless times making it 😂
I can't agree with you that Lagerfeld is arguably "the world's best modern designer". Lagerfeld was certainly an outstanding stylist but as a designer he wasn't even close to Balenciaga, St. Laurent, or Givenchy.
Well thats why its ‘arguably’, I consider most of the names you said to be older designers, while Karl was still working until recently when he died. Though I think theres also arguements to be made for Galliano, McQueen, Kawakubo, Mugler, van Herpen, theres a lot of very important names that could be the worlds best modern designer
@@understitchYT I agree with your list. I put Lagerfeld in the company of historic designers because his career was so long he was working when they were at the height of their careers. Lagerfeld too, has entered the realm of "historic designer". I think Lagerfeld must also have been among the most intelligent and knowledgeable designers of all - he really was a very clever man.
I could agree with either ilk tbh, he could be modern, could be historic, just because of how extremely long his career was. I wonder if we will ever see another stint of fashion like his again
Oh man such a shame it became this overly branded “Karl” logo merch. I actually own a piece, a kimono with a camo print, that I wear a lot in the summer.
Interestingly imo, the problem isnt with the clothes. Its with the lack of consistent brand communication. The clothes arent entirely bad, they just arent branded or marketed well and then cheapened by gimmicky karl chibi crap
Mr.老佛爺真的十分有选模特兒的眼光！
Please explore Patrick Kelly, such an important and unknown figure
Such an important designer, he doesnt get enough recognition
不愧為服裝界的模特兒之父！
2:54
That’s the type of brand young Karl would take on his hands and make it fashionable again. Quite ironic. 😅
But yeah… He had already everything, If he couldn’t go nuts with his own brand, why should he put any effort on it?!
Hahahahahha, well yeah, turning around so many brands youd think so, but the difference is those companies all had good business sides too. KL simply didnt. I think it was foolish to leave OTB honestly, that was definitely their best bet at success
Honestly there's a difference between a creator, an artist, and a replicator and keeper of someone else's work and ideas to manage and insure the perpetuity. Lagerfeld was a master of shock both in statements through reinterpretation of others work or more often, his offensive mouth. He was just a great publicist strategist and marketer. Left to his own creations, he was just repetitive and only used shock mainly as means of innovation.
Youre absolutely right, theyre all doffernet kinds of designers, and it seems natural that Karl was a reinventor because thats what was needed of him in his career. Fascinating man, fascinating industry
@@understitchYT I personally prefer originals and true creators, many to be named from the old original houses to the new talent. Granted this houses need keepers of the tradition, that's why people favor certain styles and offerings from particular houses, but while I am neutral to Lagerfeld as a person, I don't agree with the over hyped mythical status of someone who wasn't able to make his own vision, his own house become icon the houses he kept are. And he's by no means the only keeper, yet he seems to be in the group that was unable to do anything with his house unlike, say Galliano or Alexander McQueen to name a few who are truly deserving of their status. Especially considering the fact he was being propelled by multiple legendary houses. Again, nothing against the person and businesses wise yes great publicity stunts and marketing ability, but I don't see him as the design genius he's portrayed as.
@@makdle66 Its just different trends in what people want from fashion houses imo. Like, maybe in 10 years or 20 we will once again prize someone for continuing to evolve an aesthetic once again, instead of the reinvention style that is more popular at the moment
Are we going to see a Karl Lagerfeld brand revival with a new creative director, like Grace Wales Bonner?
I seriously hope so. But imo the problem is the way the management treats the business as a cash grab. They dont seem to understand that they need something (probably as a loss leader) to give them design credibility which then raises brand equity and sells their cash cows. You need that design to keep the brand equity up so the cash cows dont become undesirable. They arent willing to invest in that to build the business and thats a shame (and maybe the wrong time atm?)
There was no "fall" lest we forget Karl's brand had to survive two economic recessions, doing what few could.
Well it survived because he funnelled money into it, not really for any other reason
its so sad to see that his namesake brand turned into something you'd pass by at an airport :(
Its a testament to how import the marketing and business side of the business actually is. If carelessness and greed can ruin Karl Lagerfeld, it could ruin anything
I'm guessing ... Mr, Lagerfeild gave me a pope protection recommendation.
Karl was wery brave to stand up agaist anrgy fat people who body shamed thin models since forever. "My body, my choice" was immediately forgot when they pointed fingers on Kate Moss and others. Good that someone did actualy stand against it. Karl had talent and good heart.
come on now, it's never okay to shame someone of any size. At best we can put it down to the 90s-2010s being just not a very positive time for anyone and generally it being quite a judgmental time
@@understitchYT as i told, these feminazis shame everyone all the time, including thin models. Karl actually deffended his models. gentleman like he was.
Like you said before Karl always had a vision to make the brand more accessible to the masses and I think that’s why it is the way it is
But there are less embarrassing ways to make something accessible to the masses, if you think of Armani exchange, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren all of these are accessible brands in the luxury space and yet not anywhere near as embarrassing as a cartoon version of Karl
No manner of fancy clothing can make up for his nasty attitude. Normalize ignoring artists who are jerks. And shout out to the rise of curvy girls in fashion
I agree that his comments were not okay, but what I don’t understand is why some other celebrities haven’t seen the backlash that he has. The way that people have really come for Karl. Most 90 celebrities have said things equally, as bad or worse than he has, like Paris Hilton is a great example, so is David Walliams, even the Royal family have said awful things, but no one has cancelled them, they are all still in favour (well not all of the Royal family, just for a different reason). It’s upsetting to me that the energy that people have Karl isn’t universal and seems very targeted towards him
What he said may have been hurtful but many times he was correct.
I think those little plastic(?) figures was to cater to the new rich Asians
I dont know who they were for honestly, maybe its for the Asian market, but Ive never seen it on the streets there 🤷
Karl Lagerfeld NEVER had any kind of a "fall" .
This video is about the brand, not the person. I have a video called The Life and Death of Karl Lagerfeld if youd like to know more about him personally
so awesome
👑👑
great video
thank you!
I visited the Regent Street store. Straight up garbage.
At least you know limbo is only that bad for when we all inevitably die😂
Karl legerfeld never felled!
Youre probably talking about the man, not the company
The puzzling lack of direction and even identity 🥴
It’s such a shame isn’t it?
@@understitchYT at the very least it’s frustrating to watch. Also because it’s the situation the company I’m working for has.
His designs for chanel were awful!
He revived the company from near bankruptcy, he was chanel
🌈💝
I've seen Mr Lagerfeild many times when I was with my monarch friends from the middle east ... It was said, met let his death. When we where not allowed access to the party in Luxeombourg city the year he died to protect ... He died! It's my daughter, Phebes Valentina ... that he died by. Not me, they call thee mother of war. He died when we felt helpless together ... And it's honest! It's very honest
Omg
You know who I am????
*I **_liked_** him until he made major racist comments about refugees here in Germany.* He should have stayed in his lane. He sounded old and bitter. I never looked at him the same.
What a strange comment. I’m guessing you never knew him on any sort of personal level so how is it relevant that his beliefs affected you? We’re here to discuss his business. Sit down.
@@CauseImSmokingYourMenthols I hope and pray you end up being a refugee one day and have old, irrelevant fashion designers deny you access to your human rights! ✨ #amen 🙏
I know exactly what youre talking about, when he quoted someone talking about the holocaust. He shouldnt have quoted it, but it is taken out of context. I hope you come back next week to watch my full video on Karl because I talk about these quotes and why they came to be
@@schnioulaYikes! One can clearly see your compassion, understanding and reasoning from your wishes of ill will . I don’t see any reason to continue something I shouldn’t have gotten involved in, I feel sullied enough.
Best? Thats a stretch. Popular you mean.
He has evidenced more than anyone else an ability to revive failing fashion houses, so Id argue best, but I dont necessarily think hes that popular. Hes well respected, but his public image isnt what Id consider to be popular, but I suppose thats subjective
Fall? Hhahahahahahhahhahh
You like the Karl Lagerfeld brand? What is it about it that you like?
@@understitchYT Karl Lagerfeld brand is trash, but it was meant to be so. Lagerfeld himself talked about it many times, that he did not care. He liked his image to be used on various cheap products and same way he treated his brand. Also, he said that some investors did not want to pay enough money, so he just left it, he did not care. KL brand i see as an extension of his persona which managed to mix highs and lows ✌️
Oh okay cool, we are on the same page 😂 I loved researching about Karl, but I feel for him with how bastardised this brand became
Put to rest? Damn man, what a hater
Im so confused, what part of this is ‘hating’? I would love to see this done well, but its not happening and its no longer Karls vision. Thats not hating 😂