70-Something Designers Have A Hard Time Letting Go

As designers become more and more established in the fashion industry, crafting creations for the catwalk might become second nature, but real life off the runway still takes its toll--in the form of old age. Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren, Karl Lagerfeld and Oscar de la Renta are a few of the famous faces that are growing older and questions are already being asked about who will succeed them in their positions.

Ralph Lauren and Oscar de la Renta didn't provide any information about their futures, but Chanel came to bat for the 71-year-old Lagerfeld, telling Reuters, "his succession is not on the agenda."

"Karl is not ready to pass on the torch," said Jean-Jacques Picart, fashion adviser to Bernard Arnault, head of the world's biggest luxury group LVMH.

Armani, in particular, who has been suffering from Hepatitis, leaves many wondering about who will take the helm. Reuters reports that he is grooming a select few but wouldn't reveal any names.

"Of course I am not eternal, there comes a time when you must hand it over," Armani said in October.

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Comments

[altohone]

11:03 PM on 12/19/2009

The photo shows they can't dress themselves...

[Kathleen Shimp]

09:58 PM on 12/19/2009

These days, unless a person has an illness, 70's isn't that old. I realize fashion is a field that tends to focus on youth, but this need not always be the case. If a designer might live to 100, why should they be pressured to retire at 70, or even 80? There are 70+ and even 80+ workers in many fields these days.

[Pema]

10:53 AM on 12/19/2009

goirgio you are always eternal in my mind, forever young.

[bentax645]

06:16 PM on 12/17/2009

Unfortunately some designers haven't the choice. Christian Lacroix's demise had nothing to do with quitting.

Interesting article here: http://www.benjaminkanarekblog.com/2009/12/16/the-demise-of-christian-lacroix-fashion-house/

[urnumbersix]

01:23 PM on 12/16/2009

Fossils!