Karl takes a bow at his a/w 2010 show. AFP\Getty Images
Karl Lagerfeld dominates the catwalks during Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks with his collections for Fendi, Chanel and his eponymous signature line. But this season, the designer's ditching the catwalk and going online with a new masstige ready-to-wear range.
According to WWD, the designer has cancelled the show for his Karl Lagerfeld label, scheduled for 3 October in Paris, telling the trade paper: "I wanted this for a long time. I prefer to work in another way. I can't compete with Chanel. I don't want to be the poor child of myself. This has been my vision for years."
His new collection will focus on women's wear pieces and will also include a selection of men's wear. Lagerfeld explained it will be affordable, with something for everybody, and will feature sportswear and casual wear like denim - no surprise considering the new line is based on the idea of "mass elitism." It will primarily be sold online.
Lagerfeld's signature label, meanwhile, will move in a more commercial direction and will continue to be sold in showrooms during Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks. A catwalk return hasn't been ruled out, and the new lower-priced range may also eventually appear on the runway.