Karl Lagerfeld is close to agreeing a deal to open his first London store as part of his plan for a worldwide fashion empire.
Lagerfeld, pictured, who designs for French fashion house Chanel and Italian group Fendi, launched his own brand which made its shop debut in Paris in February. It is now in talks to open a London outpost in South Molton Street, close to Oxford Street and Bond Street.
Lagerfeld’s team have progressed talks to take the lease of the store, currently let to Kurt Geiger. It should open by the end of the year.
This will follow an opening in Amsterdam this month and a second Paris store in the popular Marais district in May.
The German designer, photographer and artist has been selling his brand online and in department stores such as Selfridges and Harrods.
The new store opening programme — 10 are planned initially — has been instigated by the majority owner, private-equity group Apax Partners.
Some experts think the business could eventually reach 100 stores.
