Karl Lagerfeld is to fashion what William Shakespeare was to literature. From his early beginnings at Pierre Balmain, Karl rose from obscurity to become an iconic designer whose unique touch is imprinted on collections from Fendi to Chanel. Aside from his fashion talent, Karl is also a skilled photographer who has captured the likes of Mariah Carey, Claudia Schiffer and Eva Herzigova. Modern Elegance magazine recently caught up with this remarkable creative and discussed everything from Chanel (of course) to beauty…

Karl Lagerfeld the Man, Karl Lagerfeld the Icon. Is there a break between the two or are you one fantastic whole?

I am the only person that has nothing to say or declare about it.

Your long tenure at Chanel displays your capacity for constant reinvention. Is there one point at which you could declare perfection/resolution of the Chanel question?

I am never satisfied In my work I never have the feeling that I have done enough. I have this attitude: I always think I could do more, I could do better. Therefore I have to start again.

You have previously stated your passion for the future and a disinterest in the past. Does the history that surrounds you at Chanel, and indeed in Paris, serve as fuel, inspiration or counterpoint?

There are no rules for inspiration, you have to have a quality view on things and my curiosity helps me to find inspiration in the most unconnected of strange situations. But there is no rule, or only one: Keep your eyes open.

You have long been a Paris resident. Has your view of the city changed over the years? Do you ever intend to depart?

You know, Chanel, it’s Paris. I love Paris! But now I can’t walk in the streets, they are so dirty! I do not intend to depart, but I like also Monte Carlo, New York, I love NY, I have an apartment there.

Your role as an auteur is clear. Art, architecture and fashion have distinct boundaries that you seem to enjoy bending. Is this provocation or a real belief?

A real belief. We need houses as we need clothes, on the other hand, architecture stimulates fashion.

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