Iconic Fashion and Jewelry Designer Karl Lagerfeld
Karl Lagerfeld was the creative director of the fashion houses of Chanel and Fendi, as well as his own namesake fashion house, which combined rock-chic influences with Parisian inspired styles. His enigmatic persona, sharp-witted and cultured vision, uncompromising ideals, and 16/7 work schedule allowed him to achieve the status of a true icon.
Karl Lagerfeld was arguably the most celebrated designer of the XXI century. Lagerfeld was renowned and celebrated for his always relevant approach to fashion based on the elegance of classic shapes and proportions adapted to contemporary living.
A man of many talents, Lagerfeld was also adept at illustration, photography, styling and publishing. The charismatic designer also introduced collections of fine jewelry to the world.
Karl Lagerfeld Jewelry At-A-Glance
The longest serving artistic director in the history of Chanel founded KL by Karl Lagerfeld label that offered jewelry collections to its customers. Karl’s fashion jewelry reflects the brand’s feminine, Parisian-chic aesthetic with a bold and modern twist.
Necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings are finished with gold, rose gold, and rhodium plating. The pieces also feature iconic Swarovski crystals, pearls, studs and chains, as per contemporary fashion. The designs can have adjustable sizing and are finished with signature engravings and often crystal accent charms.
The Karl Lagerfeld fashion jewelry also features key motifs such as Karl’s handwritten signature and rock-n-roll chic studs.
Karl Lagerfeld Jewelry’s Distinctive Features
The first KL pieces were made of a matte gold alloy with large baroque pearls, bearing the initials KL. In the periods of 1983-1984, Karl Lagerfeld created a collection of jewelry known for its elegance, design, and uniqueness.
The later collections, of the late 1980s and early 1990s, employed other techniques and took the jewelry fashion world by storm with the use of Murano glass cabochons. Today, these jewelry pieces are highly sought-after and if you come across vintage Karl Lagerfeld ring, bracelet, calf or necklace, examine carefully, and if there is no serious damage to the jewelry piece, it’s definitely worth the investment.
Karl Lagerfeld and The Swarovski Group
Lagerfeld had numerous successful collaborations during his career. On March 22, 2017 Karl Lagerfeld introduced his first women’s fashion jewelry collection through a licensing agreement with The Swarovski Group. This jewelry collection was divided into three categories – Ikonic, Klassic Karl and Essentials – with each reflecting the brand’s essence.
The collaborative jewelry collection featured personalized charms, ear jackets, asymmetrical necklaces, and feminine pendants with the world-famous Swarovski crystals and ever so chic pearls. In other words, the collection was a representation of classic Chanel’s feel, that the brand has been loved and admired for, with modern styles that encourage individuality.
The Essentials collection displayed sophistication and elegance and had an edgy ring to it. Major focus pieces from this jewelry collection included ear crawlers, crystal encrusted chains, and universally applicable designs inspired by celestial phenomenon.
