Karl Lagerfeld is a signature line by the fashion house of the same name. The label was launched in 1984 and today there are more than 200 monobrand stores across the globe. Some of its key location stores are in Paris, London, Munich, Moscow, New York, Dubai, and Shanghai.
The brand has line collections that sell ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags, small leather goods, jewelry, fragrances, watches, and eyewear. During an interview with Vogue, Lagerfield said, “I’ve not been dreaming all my life to have my name over a shop. Now, we’ll put it there because it’s the right moment to do it; and I made this name, why not use it?”
And since the inception of the famous brand, Karl Lagerfeld has gained a large number of fans and followers. This is despite the high price tags of the products.
But is Karl Lagerfeld a luxury brand? Let’s find out!
Is Karl Lagerfeld A Luxury Brand?
Contrary to what others believe, Karl Lagerfeld is a designer brand and not a luxury one. The main reason for this belief is the high price tags of its products. However, it does not mean that Karl Lagerfeld is a luxury label. In fact, many designer brands have price points that are similar to or even higher than Karl Lagerfeld.
Here are the reasons why Karl Lagerfeld is not a luxury brand:
1. The Price Tag
While it is true that Karl Lagerfeld products come with high price tags, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are expensive. But, at the same time, it doesn’t make them affordable either. In the world of luxury brands, price is not always an indicator of quality. There are many luxury brands that offer products at a much higher price point than Karl Lagerfeld.
For example, the usual price segment for luxury bags costs more than $1,000, while a Karl Lagerfeld bag may retail bags for as low as $100. And even the brand’s most expensive bag only cost $699. That alone is clear evidence that there’s a big difference in the price range of Karl Lagerfeld and other luxury brands.
2. The Quality
When it comes to quality, Karl Lagerfeld falls short as well and does not meet the standards of a luxury brand. The materials used for their products are mostly synthetic and not of high quality. But it doesn’t mean that Karl Lagerfeld products are not good, it’s just that they are not on the same level as luxury brands.
For example, a luxury watch is made with precious metals and stones. It undergoes a rigorous manufacturing process to ensure that it meets the highest quality standards. On the other hand, Karl Lagerfeld watches are made with cheaper materials such as stainless steel and plastic. They are also not manufactured in the same way as luxury watches.
3. The Designs
Another factor that sets Karl Lagerfeld apart from luxury brands is the designs of their products. The designs of Karl Lagerfeld are more trend-focused, while luxury brands focus on creating timeless pieces. This is one of the reasons why Karl Lagerfeld products are not as expensive as luxury brands.
4. The Target Market
Karl Lagerfeld is not a luxury brand because it does not cater to the same target market as other luxury brands. Karl Lagerfeld is more accessible and affordable, which makes it more popular among younger consumers. Luxury brands, on the other hand, are more exclusive and cater to a more mature audience.
5. Exclusive But Not In A Luxury Way
Karl Lagerfeld is an exclusive brand, but not in the same way as luxury brands. The exclusivity of Karl Lagerfeld comes from the high price point of its products. But as we mentioned earlier, price is not always an indicator of quality and luxury. There are many designer brands that have a similar or even higher price range than Karl Lagerfeld.
6. It Is A Younger Brand
Karl Lagerfeld is a relatively new brand, having only been founded in the early 1980s. In contrast, luxury brands have been around for centuries. This is one of the reasons why Karl Lagerfeld cannot be considered a luxury brand.
Does Karl Lagerfeld Hold Value?
Karl Lagerfeld products don’t hold value. The brand’s products decrease over time, unlike luxury brands whose products appreciate in value.
One of the reasons behind it is that Karl Lagerfeld focuses on trend-driven designs. As mentioned earlier, the designs of Karl Lagerfeld are more trend-focused, while luxury brands focus on creating timeless pieces.
This means that the products of Karl Lagerfeld go out of style quickly and are not made to last long. For example, the Vans Classic Slip-On (Karl Lagerfeld Quilt) shoes originally sold for $125 when it was still available. But its resale value is only $65 on StockX.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Karl Lagerfeld Paris and Karl Lagerfeld?
Karl Lagerfeld is a fashion house founded in 1984 by the designer Karl Lagerfeld. The brand offers ready-to-wear clothing, footwear, accessories, and fragrances for men and women.
Karl Lagerfeld Paris, on the other hand, is a more affordable line of clothing and accessories launched by the Karl Lagerfeld fashion house. The line is aimed at a younger audience and features more trend-driven designs.
While both brands are technically under the Karl Lagerfeld umbrella, they are very different in terms of price point, design, and target market.
Is Karl Lagerfeld shoes good quality?
Yes, many consumers believe that Karl Lagerfeld shoes are of good quality. The brand’s shoes are often made with leather and other good-quality materials. They are also comfortable to wear and well-made. Most importantly, its shoes are true to size.
Who owns the Karl Lagerfeld brand?
As of 2022, G-III Apparel Group Ltd. is the new owner of the brand after acquiring it for 200 million euros ($210 million) in cash. The company currently owns 81 percent share of the company from a group of private and public investors led by Fred Gehring of Amlon Capital. And according to the new owner, G-III expects the brand’s retail sales could eventually surpass $2 billion.
