BFC To Honor Karl Lagerfeld & His Work In Fashion.

chanel-fall-winter-campaign-by-karl-lagerfeld-02 — Chanel campaign for Fall 2015

Today, the BFC announced that Karl Lagerfeld will be the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award at this year’s British Fashion Awards on the 23rd November 2015. The designer will be honored at the ceremony, which will take place at London’s grand Coliseum, for his unrivaled contribution to the fashion industry. Karl is best known for his work as creative director for the House of Chanel.

Born Karl Otto Lagerfeldt in Hamburg, Germany, the famous fashion designer, who never reveals his age, is believed to be born on September 10, 1933. At 14 Lagerfeld made the bold decision to move to Paris in pursuit of fashion.

1082088434 — Chanel campaign for Spring 2015

In Paris Lagerfeld worked full time work with French designer Pierre Balmain, first as a junior assistant, and later as an apprentice. In 1961 Lagerfeld landed his first big break designing collections for Chloe and Fendi (where he was brought on to oversee the company’s fur line). Lagerfeld quickly became known in the fashion industry for his innovative, in-the-moment styles.

Blake Lively in Chanel at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival

This led to Karl’s opportunity to resurrect the House of Chanel in the early 80s. He did what few thought possible: he returned what was perceived to be a near-dead brand back to life with a revamped popular ready-to-wear line.

1337256000000.cached_0 — Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel Privé collection (2015)

It is his work at Chanel for which he is most recognized. A tenure of over thirty years has seen Lagerfeld’s unique vision transform the classic French house into a global super-brand.

Kristen Stewart in Chanel eyeweare — Kristen Stewart in Chanel eyewear campaign (2015)

A vision that extends beyond the atelier, Lagerfeld’s influence has helped launch numerous supermodel careers, has redefined fashion advertising and laid down the blueprint of how to revive a fashion brand – revolutionizing the industry in the process.

Karl Lagerfeld and Cara Delevigne at the Chanel show in Paris

Natalie Massenet MBE commented:

“Karl Lagerfeld defines outstanding. He is the champion of excellence, the master of the exceptional and one of the most iconic figures globally from our industry. His life’s work for his own and so many extraordinary brands has written the language of fashion. He is the ultimate visionary and we celebrate not only the decades already passed but those yet to happen. In Karl’s hands the future of fashion will be an exceptional one.”