Karl Lagerfeld - Karl Lagerfeld's Macy's Thrill

Karl Lagerfeld's Macy's Thrill

Karl Lagerfeld jumped at the chance to work on a capsule collection for Macy's department store.

The legendary CHANEL designer was thrilled to work on an affordable collection with the famous New York shop because he believes it is "pretentious" to only design expensive items.

He said: "I am very happy to play in a courtyard that you're not used to be playing in, to not only play in the courtyard of high fashion. It's unusual, yes. I am pleased that it's that way. Who wants anything that is usual?

"The more and more your name is around, it's even better for Chanel. I am linked to that. I think this is the right moment for this. It's pretentious to make only expensive things."

Karl was the first major designer to work on an affordable collection for H&M, in a move which has seen a host of other famous fashion names follow in his footsteps and he admitted he has a "certain weakness" for department stores as a result.

He told WWD: "European designers all landed In America through department stores. Jean Rosenberg [of Bendel's fame], Philip Miller [who ran Saks Fifth Avenue and Marshall Field's] - these were great retailers, great people. My name was made in America by department stores. I have a certain weakness for department stores."

Terry Lundgren, Macy's Inc. chairman, chief executive officer and president admitted it was important that Karl didn't stray from his signature aesthetic for the collection.

He said: "It's the signature pieces, the high collars, the sheer blouses and the scarves. There is so much of his signature look to it. Karl was very at ease understanding that he has to make product consistent with his look and with price points that are accessible to Macy's customers."

Meanwhile, New York Fashion Week kicked off yesterday (07.08.11) with the DKNY menswear show in the afternoon.

Designers expected to show there include Marc Jacobs, Victoria Beckham and Jason Wu.