Fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld is artistic director for Chanel, the luxury goods fashion house whose interlocking “CC” emblem is recognized the world over.

A versatile designer in his own right, Lagerfeld is best known as the creative force who revived the House of Chanel following the death of its legendary founder, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel.

The young Lagerfeld received schooling at the Lycée Montaigne in Paris. He worked for Paris couturier Pierre Balmain in the mid Fifties and as artistic director for Jean Patou before going on to create collections for fashion house Chloé, (now owned by Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA). Lagerfeld, an accomplished photographer, also designs for Fendi and his own eponymous label.

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In 1983, Lagerfeld took the reins at Chanel, whose heritage was steeped in comfortable, classic styling and tailored suits. He surprised the fashion world when he infused his own, modern flair – and it worked, resonating with a broad spectrum of young customers as well as loyalists. Year after year, he has created both ready-to-wear and haute couture for the prestigious label.

In 2004, he designed a one-time collection for Swedish fast-fashion retailer Hennes & Mauritz and the lower-priced Lagerfelds flew from H&M store shelves. He was unconcerned it would dilute the brand. It didn’t.

With his signature dark glasses, starched high-collared shirts, ponytail and tight jeans, the enigmatic, multi-lingual, multi-tasking designer is one of fashion's most recognizable faces.