Karl Lagerfeld Motorcycle Fashion Statement

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Karl Lagerfeld, head designer and creative director for the fashion house Chanel knows a few things about the power of image. This Monday, Rue Royale, Paris, France. Fashion Diva Karl Lagerfeld shows up to meet with 2 models for the photo shoot of his press kit for the Chanel’s pre-spring collection called “Starting Point”. Star of the photo shoot (after himself, of course), not the 2 models, but this vintage custom motorcycle apparently built in France (looking for the Builder). It”s a Triton (name given to a motorcycle 1/2 Triumph and 1/2 Norton).  Anyway, don’t you love when old motorcycles become fashion icons to the point to eclipse top models? By the way, Karl Lagerfeld wears a ponytail, dark sunglasses and black gloves every day of the year. Not because he rides a motorcycle, just for looks…(via WWD Fashion , picture S. Feugere)

19 Responses to “Karl Lagerfeld Motorcycle Fashion Statement”


  1. 1 BadMonkeyMW Jul 23rd, 2009 at 8:26 am

    I don’t know whether to laugh or cry…..

  2. 2 Brandon Jul 23rd, 2009 at 8:40 am

    Very nice bike. Each time a motorcycle is shown, better it is for the industry.

  3. 3 Kirk Perry Jul 23rd, 2009 at 9:05 am

    Now that you have Karl reading his own m/c press-clips – how about a pre-shave skin bracer that smells like cosmoline and sticks to your skin like H-D® grade 60?

  4. 4 Kirk Perry Jul 23rd, 2009 at 11:32 am

    Nobody’s going to wear those goofy styles riding a motorcycle. No man wears his shirt open three buttons down, or a two-tone skin tight Mr. Rogers sweater.

    You need some help Karl. Todays clothing options are making men sad and are bad (not good) to look at.

    Email me at kperry@vintagetwin.com/ and give me 5 minutes of your time – to change your outlook. Don;t let this opportunity pass. You can get in on the ground floor and buy into early-OHV aristocracy right now. Being the “FIRST” clothing manufacturer to respond to my request “has it’s retained merits”.
    Yes, Vintage Twin® is factored (just to keep everybody honest you understand).

  5. 5 Susan Brenner Jul 23rd, 2009 at 12:50 pm

    Whatever they design all designers have this special ability to feel the trends well before the public at large. As a master designer with taste, class & intelligence Karl Lagerfeld is right to integrate an old motorcycle in his new advertising. Cyril just told you that Karl’s new collection is going to be called “Starting Point”. Cyril is a designer. He understands. But you, dumb guys above you didn’t get it and make comments about nothing expressed in the article. Anyway, beautiful machine.

  6. 6 cabe Jul 23rd, 2009 at 1:07 pm

    Yeah, right! Karl needs help and advice! He is one of the most successful fashion designers in the world, and that for decades. Give me a break. The bike looks really cool and appears to be a prime example for a cafe racer. Would be nice to know more about the ride itself and who built it… for example whether it is a “true” Triton (Norton frame/chassis with Triumph engine), classic pats or modern re-engineered,… Also a good match to the outfits of the models in the left picture. Good luck finding the builder, Cyril!

  7. 7 FABIO Jul 23rd, 2009 at 1:48 pm

    You are wrong Kirk! I wear my shirt down 3 buttons & you would be jealous of my motorcycle collection! Don’t be a hater!

  8. 8 nicker Jul 23rd, 2009 at 2:25 pm

    Is-zis what happens when the Mods dump their Vespas and go for Rocker-style scooters…???
    She’s looking Goooood!
    (so’s the scooter)

    -nicker-

  9. 9 FUJI Jul 23rd, 2009 at 3:11 pm

    NOW WE ARE TALKING ABOUT MENS SHIRTS . THREE BUTTONS DOWN. SAD !
    WOULD ANY ONE LIKE TO SEE MY BUTTON COLLECTION ? YOU WOULD BE JEALOUS

    FROM LEATHERS TO THREE BUTTONS DOWN JUST WHEN WE THOUGHT THE YUPPIES WERE LEAVING THE SPORT.

    Ciao for now my friends it is fourish in the afternoon and time to have a martini / beer.

  10. 10 Dave Blevins Jul 23rd, 2009 at 5:54 pm

    It’s good to see the Mods finally wised up to the Rocker style!

  11. 11 Kirk Perry Jul 23rd, 2009 at 6:41 pm

    I don’t think Karl is above criticism.
    He wants to appeal to the new market. So does Calvin®, so does Ralph®. Who’s it going to be?

    I picked on Karl because I’ve used Lagerfeld “classic” Eau de Toilette as a pre-shave for the last 20 yrs.
    It was Elvis’ favorite. That’s a fact. (Not the other Lagerfeld stuff, only the “classic”).

    But, the current Eau de Toilette, while providing a superb “ball-bearing” cushion between your skin and the electric razor grid, lingers way too strong after the act. If you don’t wash your face off before you leave the house, you’ll knock out anybody that even gets close to you.
    So, my first gift to Karl – is to suggest keeping the SAME “classic” aroma, but make it as a pre-shave that isn’t as overbearing, but still leaves a cosmoline coating on your skin.

    Dummy-down the “classic” to a pre-shave, if it works out for you, don’t forget about us.

    How’s that for a howdy-do “hands across the water” sports fans?

  12. 12 jatinder pal Jul 24th, 2009 at 2:46 am

    I like customs bikes build on different platforms,this is a complex build,anyway i liked the model most,is she single????

  13. 13 Ricardo Jul 24th, 2009 at 7:25 am

    WHO IS THE BUILDER ?

    Hi cyril,

    I have heard it had been built around TOULOUSE, France and the only guy I know being able to pull up that kind of work is Bertrand Dubet from ODYSSEY KOLORS !
    http://www.odyssey-motorcycles.com

    I might be right ! ?

    Tell us if you find out more on your side !

    Thanks Cyril for your Amazing Blog that keep us on going every day with amazing news & updates ! ! !

    Please, if you have the time, you can check our Blog !? : http://www.paridice-cycles.com

    Ricardo
    Paris, France
    http://www.paridice-cycles.com

  14. 14 Bradley K Jul 24th, 2009 at 11:29 pm

    It’s a…nice day..for a…white wedding…yeeeoooow
    It’s a…nice day to….start again….

    Go Billy. Sorry couldn’t resist

    Bradley K

  15. 15 Brenda Fox Jul 25th, 2009 at 10:49 pm

    I’d ride that Triton in couture Chanel. But then again my daily fragrance is Chanel #5 and two stroke fumes …
    (Love that red Chanel Classic Flap bag!)

  16. 16 Kirk Perry Jul 26th, 2009 at 3:38 pm

    It seems that the builder(s) of the Triton will remain a mystery, so until further notice – if we could visit motorcycle clothing instead, and allow me this one last concept challenge:

    Vintage Twin® needs an experienced ActiveWear broker that can make instant contacts with Dickies®, Patagonia®, Blue Sky® denim (obsolete), Hi-Tec® – Ouicksilver® and WearGuard®. We’ll try and talk some sense into Lee®. Dickies® already has the cut we need. Not a problem there.
    Over the last 20 yrs. I’ve had inside designer contact and clothing developed from Ideas of collaboration, but it was like one cylinder firing at a time, in a radial airplane motor.
    My last project with Dickies® in 2007, ended with a misconception of the target design, once it left my hands, when I passed it to Peni – and now they’re stuck with 17″ “relax-fit” carpenter short (narrow as pedal-pushers), instead of the “Loose Fit” I spec’d out. {Note: This narrow pedal-pusher leg that Dickies made is exactly why some women dislike what they call “men’s capris”}
    After Peni, my design changed hands, like many things do, in “design-by-committee” situations. I was blown-away when I saw their 2009 17″ carpenter shorts. I laughed. 🙂

    I realize now, that I need one person/company that is well connected, and the five pieces assembled would cost 850K to 1M (line item itemized expenses). Just to have samples made.
    Guaranteed – each piece will pass scrutiny for fit and function. Prison Industries could be an option.
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    The Karl Lagerfeld article is a nice presentation, and like someone said, “Anytime you get a motorcycle displayed, it’s good”.
    But, why not create another look that blends in form, fit and function for motorcycling, surfing, outdoor hiking, urban acceptance, and is made well. All of those companies listed above, already know whether they’re making (i.e; Synchilla™ goods in Chile, or anywhere in the world they need to. They shop for countries cintinually.) That’s whom we want to build our piece-goods for KnuckleWear®. I have the pieces. I’m firm on having the last word on design. Once I’ve explained the concept, a principal will understand, and have samples of the exact (5) products in their hand.

    We’ll tell you who the builders of our bikes are in our ads (no mysteries), but it’s KnuckleWear® – so don’t expect any flathead stuff. 🙂

  17. 17 USA Jul 27th, 2009 at 10:03 pm

    This obviously hit home.
    I would like to talk more to Susan Brennair
    She talks more up what”s up

    Great article

    Lets ride

  18. 18 Kirk Perry Aug 7th, 2009 at 10:29 am

    The timing is right to create a new direction for mens wear.

    I propose an ActionWear build-off with Karl Lagerfeld®.

    I’ll post the five (5) pieces from Vintage Twin 2010®. (KnuckleWear® : Shoes, Socks, Shorts, Shirt + mystery item).

    Karl can post his five (5) pieces.

    Since Cyril’s site doesn’t have photo posting, we can post them on S&S®’s http://flatheadpower site and/or
    http://hydra-glide.net/
    The site owners can create a “poll”.

    Whoever wins the poll wins the build-off.

    If Vintage Twin 2010® wins, we’ll end up garnering a clothing contract from a manufacturer eventually. Amazon.com is waiting in the wings on this.

    I’m already planning the next build-off against Calvin Klein® and Ralph Lauren®.

    p.s.We’re taking the Knuckle & Panhead away from the straight-pipe greaser population and putting it back into the (quiet, back-pressured) collegiate environment (M.I.T grads, Oxford, Yale, etc.)

    Good luck Karl, don’t let anything but fear stop you.

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