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Hollywood came out in full and fashion fashion at the 2023 Met Gala honoring Karl Lagerfeld, the late Chanel creative director who takes center stage in this year’s Costume Institute exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Alongside last night’s star-studded sartorial tribute on the red carpet, the retrospective is expected to inspire fashion fans new and old to rediscover Lagerfeld’s work, which spans from the 1950s to his death at age 85 on Feb. 19, 2019. Titled Karl Lagerfeld: a line of beauty, the Met exhibit runs from May 5 to July 16 and honors the late designer’s life and storied career through more than 150 pieces and sketches. Those unable to see the collection in person can still purchase exclusive designs to celebrate the exhibition through the Met’s online store.
Lagerfeld’s fashion career began in the 1950s, when he apprenticed with Pierre Balmain and became Jean Patou’s artistic director in 1958. The German designer went on to freelance for Charles Jourdan, Chloé and Valentino (among other brands), and he joined Fendi in 1967. Hired to manage Chanel in 1983, Lagerfeld revolutionized the luxury French fashion house, leading him international fashion fame. He debuted his eponymous brand, Karl Lagerfeld, in 1984, and he also served two stints as Chloé’s designer (from 1974 to 1983 and from 1992 to 1997).
The Met Gala is the museum’s annual fundraiser, and with the dress code simply reading, “In honor of Karl,” exhibition curator Andrew Bolton said he hopes gala guests will feel like “it’s in the spirit of Karl, and hopefully everyone will come in.” vintage Chanel, vintage Fendi, vintage Chloé.” Star guests didn’t just wear the fashion icon’s designs from decades past: They evoked his spirit with Lagerfeld-style signatures, as seen in fingerless leather gloves (worn by Jessica Chastain, Cara Delevingne, and Ashley Park), monochromatic ensembles , fans, bold sunglasses and even his fashionable cat, Choupette (Jared Leto and Doja Cat).
If you too want to pay homage to Kaiser Karl in your own wardrobe, we’ve rounded up the best places to buy Chanel, Fendi, Chloé, Jean Patou and more pieces designed by Lagerfeld, as well as exclusive items commemorating the Exposition of the Costume Institute in the Met store. Since Chanel doesn’t sell its fashion online (you’ll have to visit the label’s brick-and-mortar boutiques and retailers instead), online consignment stores are your best bet for scoring a piece of the luxury French label and other Lagerfeld-designed items. find without leaving your home.
Whether you’re looking for investment pieces like Chanel’s classic 2.55 and Boy bags, Fendi’s pieces with their iconic FF monogram (designed by Lagerfeld in 1965), or Karl-inspired style statements like pearl accessories and camellia accents, look where you can shop new and loved Chanel, Fendi and more online below, as well as standout picks on sale now.
The Met store
To celebrate Karl Lagerfeld: a line of beauty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has released exclusive items related to the Costume Institute exhibit. The collection includes charming leather and wooden Kokeshi dolls designed in the image of the Kaiser, as well as candles, tote bags, T-shirts, books, key chains, water bottles and more.
The Met store
Book ‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Beauty Line’
Fashionphile
With Neiman Marcus as an investor, Southern California-based Fashionphile makes it easy to shop (or resell) beloved Chanel, Fendi and other luxury labels. You can sell used goods at Fashionphile’s stand-alone showrooms (where you can also purchase from a curated selection of bags and accessories) or Neiman Marcus Selling Studios. You can also sell your past purchases back to the company for up to a year after purchase and get up to 75 percent of your purchase price.
The consignment boutique recently launched a special collection dedicated to Karl Lagerfeld featuring his most influential designs, including Chanel’s Caviar, Boy and Gabrielle quilted bags and Fendi’s Zucca baguette styles.
Fashionphile
Chanel Caviar quilted jumbo flap bag
Amazon
Amazon’s Luxury Stores division, home to authentic designer bags through Shopbop and What Goes Around Comes Around, is a surprising resource for Chanel and Fendi, as well as many other luxury fashion houses. Find handbags, jewellery, belts and other leather accessories, all arranged to perfection by colour.
Amazon
Fendi Pre-Loved brown Zucca canvas shoulder bag
1st dibs
Lagerfeld’s designs at Jean Patou, Balmain and other labels may be hard to find, but you can still discover some of those rare pieces on 1st Dibs, the online marketplace specializing in unique and extraordinary fashion, furniture, art, jewelry and more. Where flap bags and quilted cross-bodies are a dime a dozen among other designer sources, 1st Dibs is a go-to for one-of-a-kind pieces from Chanel, Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld, Patou, and many other design houses.
1st dibs
Jean Patou by Karl Lagerfeld Coat and Dress Ensemble
eBay.com
eBay offers an authenticity guarantee that includes a multi-point inspection by trained experts to ensure you’re bidding on a genuine Chanel. Find almost every luxury label under the sun, including Fendi, vintage Chloé and Jean Patou around Karl Lagerfeld, to name a few.
eBay.com
Fendi baguette bag
StockX
No, StockX doesn’t just sell Air Jordans and sneakerhead essentials — the online resale haven also features luxury designer labels, including Chanel and Fendi. Find clothing, jewellery, bags, wallets and other classic and unique finds from both brands and place your best offer or buy items for the asking price.
StockX
Chanel 19 Tie & Dye flap bag
Repack
New York-based Rebag has been buying and selling used luxury bags since 2014 and has stores in the Big Apple, Beverly Hills, New York and Greenwich, Connecticut. You can shop over 25,000 items online (including from Rebag’s physical inventory), ranging from Chanel’s classic flapbags and Caviar bags to exclusive Fendi x Rimowa luggage, designed by Lagerfeld, among others.
Fendi Karl clutch with zipper printed leather
The luxury closet
The Dubai-born designer boutique stocks luxury items from sellers around the world, and Chanel and Fendi are some of the brands you’ll find online.
The luxury closet
Chanel Lucky Charms reissue 2.55 classic flap bag
FWRD Extend
Online designer retailer FWRD recently launched its Buyback resale program and you can buy authentic Chanel, Fendi and many other luxury labels.
FWRD
Chanel tote bag with caviar chain
TheRealReal
Online resale marketplace for designers TheRealReal specializes in apparel, bags, jewelry, watches, home accessories and more, including from Chanel, Fendi, Chloé, Karl Lagerfeld and more.
TheRealReal
Fendi Mini Pearl Mon Tresor Bucket Bag