Lagerfeld, Karl (1938-...), is an important German-born fashion designer. Lagerfeld designs both couture (high fashion) and ready-to-wear clothes for different firms as a free-lancer. During the 1980's, he became well known for his ability to design in distinctive styles for each of the fashion houses for which he worked. He was especially noted for carrying on the traditions of the famous house of Chanel while incorporating current fashion trends in his designs.