The White Shirt Project – A Tribute to Karl

In fashion, the crisp white shirt comes second only to the little black dress.  That’s maybe day one in fashion school.  For Karl Lagerfeld the white shirt became one of his most signature pieces.  In one of his most famous phrases he once said: “If you were to ask me what I’d most like to have invented in fashion, I’d say the white shirt.  For me, the white shirt is the basis of everything.  Everything else comes after.”  Coming from one of the greats of the industry it’s not a statement to take lightly.  It’s no coincidence then that had over 1000 of the high-collared, starched white shirts he was famous for wearing.  As well as being one of the creative forces of the fashion industry, Jermyn Street tailors Hilditch & Key (where Lagerfeld bought all of the shirts that he wore) will also be lamenting the loss of their long-standing and most famous customer.

Karl Lagerfeld by Stéphane Feugère

To highlight his favourite piece and celebrate the life and legacy of the late creative director, Maison Karl Lagerfeld recently announced the launch of  “A Tribute to Karl: The White Shirt Project.”  The world of fashion and celebrity have all been invited to create their own versions of his white shirt.   Designs from the likes of Cara Delevingne, Diane Kruger, Kate Moss, Amber Valletta, Lewis Hamilton, Tommy Hilfiger, Sebastien Jondeau, Alessandro Michele and Takashi Murakami will be curated by Lagerfeld’s long time friend, CR Fashion Book founder and recently appointed style advisor at Maison Karl Lagerfeld, Carine Roitfeld.

“When I think of Karl’s most iconic designs from his career, I always I think of his white shirts.  This tribute will allow us to honour his legacy while incorporating his unwavering love of fashion and giving back; I can’t imagine a better way for us to celebrate his passion for creativity.” – Carine Roitfeld.

Using a formula based on Lagerfeld’s favourite number, seven of the final designs will be replicated 77 times and sold for €777 each.  All of the proceeds from the sales will be donated to the French charity Sauver la Vie (Save the Life), which funds medical research and supports doctors at the Paris Descartes University, which Lagerfeld personally supported for many years.  In true fashion icon style, the final seven designs chosen will be unveiled at the premises of the Maison Karl Lagerfeld in Paris during Paris Fashion Week this September.  And by this time next year they will surely be sought after collector items.  If you can get your hands on one, you should.

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