Throughout Karl Lagerfeld’s career, which spans over six decades,
the late designer was known to bring a distinct creative vision not
only to his clothing designs, but also to the runways on which he
presented collections.
It was always expected of Lagerfeld, particularly in his later
years, to really put on a show. From involved set designs that
transformed Paris’ Grand Palais to virtually any location Lagerfeld
imagined to dramatic effects conveyed through both models and
garments, the designer’s shows were always mesmerizing.
The spectacle of the Karl Lagerfeld runway show will live on in his
memory, as Fendi made clear in its tribute to its long-time creative
director in its Fall 2019 show at Milan Fashion Week yesterday – and
we can expect Chanel will do the same in its upcoming show. For now,
let’s take a look back into some of Lagerfeld’s most memorable
runways.
Chanel Couture Fall 2017
Photo: Chanel AW17, Catwalkpictures
If the Grand Palais on the famed Champs des Elysess isn’t Parisian
enough, Lagerfeld made sure to elevate its je ne sais quois factor by
installing a reproduction of the Eiffel Tower in it. The almost
life-size tower sat over a sand runway, reminiscent of the grounds of
many parks in Paris, while models strutted the collection under the
tower. Following the show, Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo presented
Lagerfeld with the Médaille Grand Vermeil de la Ville, the city’s
highest honor.
Chanel Couture Spring 2017
Photo: Chanel SS17, Catwalkpictures
A more toned-down runway in the scheme of Lagerfeld’s inventions,
his Spring 2017 set was completely mirrored, allowing his collection
to truly speak for itself from every angle.
Fendi 90th anniversary
Photo: Tiziana Fabi / AFP
In celebration of Fendi’s 90th anniversary, Lagerfeld opted for the
Trevi fountain as the locale for his Fall/Winter 2017 couture
collection for the esteemed Italian brand. The glass runway was set
atop the water so models seemed to be gliding over the water.
Chanel Ready-to-wear Spring 2016
Photo: Chanel SS16, Catwalkpictures
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For Spring 2016, Lagerfeld had the Grand Palais transformed into an
airport, complete with self check-in, baggage drop and a waiting
area..
Chanel Couture Fall 2015
Photo: Chanel AW15, Catwalkpictures
Lagerfeld presented his Fall 2015 collection for Chanel Couture in
a casino – one that he had built in the Grand Palais. Some models and
muses gambled while others strutted around the casino tables
showcasing the new collection.
Chanel RTW Spring 2015
Photo: Patrick Kovarik / AFP
The Spring 2015 ready-to-wear collection was shown on what might
the most memorable of all of Lagerfeld’s runway. He staged a protest
down a recreated Paris boulevard in the Grand Palais, with models
carrying picket signs fighting for women’s rights.
Chanel RTW Fall 2014
Photo: Naho Kudo / Yomiuri / The Yomiuiri Shimbun / via
AFP
Who can forget the time when Lagerfeld built a supermarket within
the Grand Palais? Shelves were stocked with everyday items rebranded
in a Chanel version. But instead of shopping, models used the
supermarket aisles as their runway.
Chanel Couture Spring 2012
Photo: Alexander Klein / AFP
A few years before Lagerfeld designed the airport check-in, he set
his couture show within an airplane. Guests sat in the airplane seats,
were served drinks from flight attendants and watched models showcase
the Spring 2012 couture line down a runway that doubled as the plane’s
aisle.
Main Photo: Chanel