Karl Lagerfeld to create international hospitality brand

16-Oct-2016 - Last updated on 18-Oct-2016 at 08:47 GMT

From high fashion to hospitality: Karl Lagerfeld is about to put his name to hotels and restaurants

Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld has announced plans to expand his global business into hospitality with the creation of brand Karl Lagerfeld Hotels & Resorts.

The designer's business has signed a long-term licensing agreement with the recently-launched licensing platform Brandmark Collective to open hotels, restaurants, private clubs and residential properties under the Karl Lagerfeld brand around the world.

Opportunities for the new brand are currently being explored 'in gateway markets and resort destinations worldwide' according to Brandmark Collective CEO Tony Kurz while the first Karl Lagerfeld hotel - a six-star property - gets ready to open in Macau next year.

A spokesperson for the brand added that the UK was a key target for the brand with 'first and second tier city and resort destinations' being sought.

“Expanding our brand into the hospitality sector reflects our greater vision to broaden Karl Lagerfeld's comprehensive lifestyle experience,” said Pier Paolo Righi, CEO and president of Karl Lagerfeld.

“Developing the Karl Lagerfeld six-star hotel in Macau, which is scheduled to open in 2017, has been an exciting process for our whole team, and we look forward to further expanding in this field.”

Kurz, whose business is currently based in Amsterdam, said: “We inherently understand the unique needs of hospitality owners and developers and will collectively deliver the Karl Lagerfeld brand offering in a way that celebrates the designer’s unique talent and approach to fashion and lifestyle."