Karl Goes Global
By Timothy Hagy, Paris Editor
Photographed exclusively for Fashionlines by Marie-Béatrice Seillant

PARIS, December 13 - If there is one thing certain about Karl Lagerfeld, it is that he's a man with a big vision. In a strategic move aimed at increasing the prominence of his eponymous label, he has agreed to the sale of Lagerfeld Gallery to American designer Tommy Hilfiger.  The collection under license for men, women and accessories, and the two boutiques by the same name located on the left bank of Paris and in Monaco were sold for an undisclosed sum. The contract will be binding in thirty days time. Karl will remain artistic director for the label, and the transaction will not affect Lagerfeld's other lucrative contracts with Chanel and Fendi.

"In choosing a partner to expand my business, I was looking for a company that has built a business on a global basis and possesses the infrastructure and resources to make our vision of the Lagerfeld brand become a reality," Lagerfeld said in a press release this morning. "I have been impressed with Tommy and his team and I look forward to working together on exciting new initiatives."

Karl's most recent venture with Swedish discount retailer H&M ended abruptly when
the company's direction failed to honor
he contract that Lagerfeld had envisioned.