News has just hit Grazia that Herr Lagerfeld is set to collaborate with Italian luxury label Hogan on ‘a unique collaboration with a special project for the Spring Summer 2011 collection’.
It’s not that the two camps aren’t a good match, after all Hogan is part of the Tod’s footwear empire, and is known for its high quality accessories and ready to wear.
And, as Hogan’s announcement says, somewhat cryptically, Kaiser Karl ‘has built a universe where every line is controlled and every detail has meaning. From this Cartesian spirit has arisen a hyper-modern and structured style at the top of its form. A look and an attitude transcribed through graphic codes that have become emblematic signatures.’ Yes.
It’s more just.. where does will Karl find the time? He is already designing a million collections a year for Chanel, Chanel Couture, Fendi and his Karl Lagerfeld label. He also takes photographs, publishes books and operates a book shop in Paris.
Interestingly, in the past couple of days, the Tommy Hilfiger fashion group, which previously owned Lagerfeld’s own eponymous label, was purchased for $3bn by American company Phillips-Van Heusen. But, significantly, PVH chose not to include Karl’s label in the purchase.
The Hogan brand was founded in 1988, and is sold at a mid-range price point. Previously, the Chanel creative director was one of the first major designers to take his high fashion aesthetic to the high street, with his blockbuster collection for H&M in 2004.
The company has stated that Kaiser Karl will work his magic on shoes, clothing and accessories, and the collaboration is thought to be a one-off. More details will no doubt follow.
But for the moment, Hogan’s press release is simply promising ‘an exceptional partnership embracing the creative wonder of Karl Lagerfeld and Hogan’s original lifestyle’.
Sounds good to us
