The REAL reason why Karl Lagerfeld always wore fingerless gloves

The entire fashion world is mourning over the sad demise of one of the greatest iconic figures in fashion, Karl Lagerfeld who served as the Creative Director for the legendary brand Chanel. For too many fans, the immortalised image of the late fashion designer will always consist of his white ponytail, high collared shirts and signature black sunglasses. But there is this one element that we are missing out from Lagerfeld’s well-regarded wardrobe that he was almost never seen without a sleek pair of fingerless leather gloves.

The House of KARL LAGERFELD shares, with deep emotion and sadness, the passing of its creative director, Karl Lagerfeld, on February 19, 2019, in Paris, France. He was one of the most influential and celebrated designers of the 21st century and an iconic, universal symbol of style. Driven by a phenomenal sense of creativity, Karl was passionate, powerful and intensely curious. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as one of the greatest designers of our time, and there are no words to express how much he will be missed.

Over the time, and wit changing styles- from black and red to studded and punctuated with zips- gloves became the designer’s signature accessory. So much so that he even sold reimagined versions of the accessory under his eponymous fashion line.

Earlier this month, Karl Lagerfeld hosted the #KARLXKAIA grand finale event in Paris! @zefashioninsider

Reportedly, Lagerfeld’s choice to wear gloves was not simply aligned to fashion. The reason behind it is much more than that. In an interview with Lagerfeld in the M Magazine 2012 issue, the designer spoke quite candidly about his personal sense of style, tackling everything from his aversion to flip-flops to his view on socks. He also provided with an insight into his love for gloves, revealing a number of reasons for wearing them so fervently.  

Longtime friends Karl Lagerfeld and @carineroitfeld have announced their upcoming collaboration for Fall 2019. #KARLLAGERFELD

The legend said, “In the old protocol, it is impolite to say hello to somebody who is wearing gloves; it also makes the arm longer. And you know what it means in French to have a long arm? It means you are influential.”

Lagerfeld also explained that he preferred fingerless versions because he could still sketch while wearing them.

Lagerfeld's fascination with gloves may be aligned to his lifelong dislike for his hands from a young age. “When I was 14, I wanted to smoke because I wanted to look grown-up,” he once said. “But my mother said: 'You shouldn't smoke. Your hands are not that beautiful and that shows when you smoke’”.

On Tuesday, 19 February, Chanel confirmed that Lagerfeld had passed away at the age of 85 in Paris. The company had then announced that Virginie Viard – Lagerfeld’s “right hand woman” – will replace him.