Karl Lagerfeld Designs for Louis Vuitton

VANITY FAIR – It is in no way clear when Karl Lagerfeld finds time to brush his teeth, let alone polish his medallions. The Chanel front man not only designs for Fendi and his eponymous label but also dabbles in hotel projects and collaborations with Magnum Ice Cream and Diet Coke.His latest partnership is even more unusual. Lagerfeld has teamed up with rival luxury house Louis Vuitton to re-create its famous brown and gold monogrammed bags, trunks, and luggage. “The Icon and the Iconoclasts” project, helmed by Vuitton executive vice president Delphine Arnault, has invited Lagerfeld and five other artists—Cindy Sherman, Frank Gehry, Christian Louboutin, Rei Kawakubo, and Marc Newson—to dream up “the most desirable icon in the world.”Though others have clearer ties to the house—Kawakubo designed bags in 2008 for L.V. and Gehry is the architect behind Foundation Louis Vuitton—Lagerfeld has been close with the Arnault family since 2001, when they acquired a majority in Fendi.

While details are under wraps until the official release, in November, Lagerfeld has already envisioned a “punching bag.” “The name alone is amazing,” says Arnault of the gym-inspired conception. www.vanityfair.com