Courtesy of John Aquino, WWDKarl Lagerfeld drew fashion heavy-hitters, like Sarah Jessica Parker and Anna Wintour, to the Women's Wear Daily CEO Summit in New York, where he spoke with the paper's executive editor Bridget Foley.
Parker, Wintour and other fashionistas undoubtedly turned out to hear the designer speak about his legendary career in the industry—as well as to catch some of his trademark filter-free sound bites. He definitely delivered on both fronts, describing himself as the "French male version of the Joan of Arc," (you know, because he hears voices in his head that inspire him), but also revealing a surprisingly laid-back approach to maintaining Chanel's fashion empire.
"I have never gone to a meeting in 31 years," he admitted about his time at the fashion house.
And it seems he's not very interested in getting involved in the nitty-gritty details behind running Chanel, either.
"I don't read contracts longer than one page because it's boring and unnecessary," he revealed. "When people are supposed to work together, you don't need a contract."
Well, OK, then! So how exactly does Lagerfeld spend his time? The way he sees it, he needs to focus his attention on creative energies. "I mean, I don't want to run a company myself. I have nothing against business. My father was a businessman, but I like the creative freedom."
To that end, the designer revealed he's shaking up Chanel's Metiers d'Art show by opting for a rather creative choice for its locale: Dallas. While it seems worlds away from the show's previous location—the extravagant ruins of a Scottish castle—Lagerfeld has his mind made up.
"First of all, I love Texas. I love Texans," he explained. "There's another reason. When Chanel reopened, the French press was beyond nasty. The only press that understood it immediately was the American press," he said at the event. "So I think it's a nice thing to go there."
Awww, looks like those voices in Karl's head have a sentimental side.