Karl Otto Lagerfeld was born in Hamburg in 1933, though it is no secret that he has always shaved a few years off his lifespan and in fact quotes he was born in 1938. Whatever the year of birth, one thing is for sure, the man is a design genius and has wowed the fashion elite for years with his creativity and panache.  

In an early collection for Jean Patou, the press was savage, denouncing Lagerfeld’s designs. Fast-forward a few decades and things are a very different story. At the helm of the Chanel empire for 25 years, Lagerfeld was responsible for sexing up the classic Chanel box-jacket suit in the 90s and continues at a frenetic pace today.  

Not just famous for his designs, Lagerfeld’s weight has also been fodder for the media in recent years, after he lost nearly 50kgs off his frame. The white ponytail still remains intact, as do the obligatory dark frames. His dramatic weight loss even spawned a book, ‘The Karl Lagerfeld Diet’.   Late last year, Lagerfeld announced he would be producing an eyewear line under his own moniker, including optical frames and sunglasses. The range, to be released this year, is said to epitomise the sophistication that has become synonymous with the Lagerfeld name. ‘Dark glasses are like portable eye shadow and the world looks more beautiful through tinted glasses. Everyone looks 10 years younger, that is why I always wear dark glasses,’ says the man himself.  

Lagerfeld is also the star of a new documentary, ‘Lagerfeld Confidential’, chronicling the designer’s impressive career. This intimate look at the creative supremo, is said to reveal a funny, talented and rather eccentric man - the perfect features to survive in such a ruthless business.