The body-hugging, plunging neckline gown features WWD coverage from Lagerfeld’s first Chanel couture collection, previewed in the Jan. 16, 1983, edition.Written by Christopher Petkanas, the article offers a glimpse into the somewhat fraught scene at the Chanel atelier on Lagerfeld’s arrival.
“It was at Lagerfeld’s insistence that the ghostly reminder of Coco Chanel remains outside his newest part-time office, and he works deep into the night, hoping to live up to the hallowed name while keeping aloft his own reputation. For Chanel, and myriad other clients, he is working ’16 hours a day and delighted to do it.’”
Peña wrote on Instagram that Cardi B’s dress is, “our modest homage to Karl’s legacy…crazy intense beginnings are a situation we can easily empathize with.” At the time of the article’s publishing, Petkanas reported that Lagerfeld was paid $1 million for his work at Chanel per year plus a $100,000 budget to gift his designs to various muses and fashion editors.