Karl Lagerfeld, the enigmatic fashion icon behind Chanel and Fendi, led a meticulously structured life. His routine was the perfect blend of discipline, luxury, and creativity, embodying his philosophy of staying constantly productive while maintaining a high standard of living. Here’s a deep dive into his daily habits, crafted from various interviews and first-hand insights.
🌅 Morning Ritual: Precision and Diet Coke
Lagerfeld woke up after exactly seven hours of sleep, no matter what time he went to bed—whether at midnight or 2:00 AM. He was adamant about not waking up earlier, famously saying that he could sleep through anything. His mornings started slowly, but he adhered to a unique breakfast: two protein shakes, made specifically for him by his doctor, with a chocolate taste and no sugar, paired with steamed apples. He avoided all hot drinks, instead drinking Diet Coke from the moment he woke up until bedtime.
Lagerfeld had an exceptional distaste for hot drinks and explained that Diet Coke was his preferred beverage, so much so that he could even drink it at night without disrupting his sleep. 🚫☕ “I don’t drink coffee. I don’t drink tea. Nothing hot,” he once stated emphatically.
📚 Morning Inspirations
After breakfast, Lagerfeld would indulge in reading, an essential part of his creative process. He read across multiple languages—French, English, German—and consumed an array of materials, including art books, newspapers, and fashion magazines like Women’s Wear Daily. He once mentioned having a special reading nook in his home with a view of the Seine and the Louvre, where he would spend time daydreaming and sketching ideas. Daydreaming, according to Lagerfeld, was as vital as any work he did at his desk. 🌿✨
🎨 Late Morning: The Creative Zone
Lagerfeld didn’t bathe or change into his daily outfit until around noon. Instead, he spent the morning in his long, white nightshirt—a custom piece inspired by a 17th-century design—using it as a sort of painter’s smock while working on sketches and ideas for his fashion collections. His strict cleanliness extended to the nightshirt, which was laundered daily, along with his sheets and robes.
Around 11:00 AM, his signature look began to take shape as his white hair was styled, a key part of his routine. Though naturally gray, Lagerfeld insisted on using Klorane dry shampoo to achieve the striking white color that became part of his iconic image.
🚗 Afternoons: A Life in Motion
Lagerfeld preferred to start his more public-facing work in the late afternoon. He often took leisurely drives around Paris to draw inspiration from the city and visit his favorite bookstore, Galignani, before heading to the Chanel studio around 5:00 PM. He spent several hours overseeing his work teams, but rather than getting too involved in the day-to-day technical work, Lagerfeld preferred to sketch and conceptualize. His evenings in the studio were highly productive, as he believed in “being quick and organized” to leave ample time for creative thought.
🍽️ Evening: Dinner and Down Time
Despite his disciplined approach to his mornings, Lagerfeld’s evenings were more flexible. He admitted to dining out only occasionally, as many of his contemporaries had passed on. When he did go out, he frequented spots like La Maison du Caviar. More often than not, however, he enjoyed a quiet dinner at home, followed by time spent playing with his beloved cat, Choupette, whom he once referred to as “a spoiled princess.”
Lagerfeld didn’t embrace routine for routine’s sake. In fact, he disliked being beholden to a schedule, often working into the night, sketching or reading before finally going to bed.
💡 The Lagerfeld Legacy
Karl Lagerfeld’s day was a seamless mix of strict habits and creative freedom. His unwavering commitment to his work, coupled with his disciplined personal habits, allowed him to remain a dominant force in fashion for decades. His daily life reflects the balance between order and creativity, a combination that kept him perpetually at the forefront of the fashion industry until his final days.
Whether you admire his discipline or his eccentricity, there’s no doubt that Lagerfeld’s daily routine is an inspiring model for anyone in pursuit of creative excellence.
Thanks for reading.
Some sources:
- Marie Claire UK Detailed insights into Karl Lagerfeld’s daily grooming and creative routines.
Source: Marie Claire UK - Wikipedia Overview of Lagerfeld’s life and background, touching on his eccentric habits.
Source: Wikipedia - Luxonomy Insights into Karl Lagerfeld’s legacy and his iconic lifestyle.
Source: Luxonomy - Fashionista Revealing details on his diet, preferences, and unique daily routines.
Source: Fashionista
