For the Love of Lagerfeld

The hits just keep on coming for Karl Lagerfeld, the Mick Jagger of fashion. His rock-star charisma is no hype; his imagination runs deep, as does his determination to stay slim enough to fit into his Dior Homme jeans. He admits to being in his late 60s, although he may be in his early 70s. (He’s not telling, and the records are conflicting.) Either way, he’s in a class by himself, the most prolific designer in the world, overseeing the production of an astounding 12 collections a year.

After his H&M success, which the designer has called a litmus test of his popularity, he’s ready to try it again at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman in a new line called Karl Lagerfeld, with $155 logo T-shirts; $500 sleeveless, tiered georgette dresses; and $250 white cropped jeans for women, and $600 black cotton blazers and $145 red cotton pique shirts for men.

The new brand is owned by Tommy Hilfiger, who has no creative say, and is another experiment to see how many directions Lagerfeld can go in at once. Though the line bears his name, he didn’t design this collection. The 20-plus men’s and women’s pieces were realized by a team of 20 led by longtime Lagerfeld friend and associate Melanie Ward, formerly at Helmut Lang.

Denim is fitted and “washed to perfection,'’ according to the press materials. For him, the “urban palette'’ consists of black with white and midnight metallic blues. The collection includes black “realist wash'’ skinny jeans, dark denim “neo wash'’ straight jeans and blue whiskered “rococo wash'’ boot-cut jeans, whatever those are.

Will it work? Given Lagerfeld’s continuing ability to give women what they want decade after decade, this new venture may just add another layer of shimmer to an already shiny name. You be the judge!

Screen-Print Jeans: Medium blue wash. Black abstract screen print down front of legs and rear. Lightly faded and whiskered. Five-pocket style; white stripe on back pockets. Low-rise waist; boot-cut legs. Fly front; belt loops.

Denim Vest: Faded wash. Shawl collar; plunging V neckline. Two-button front; front slit pockets. Sleeveless. Cropped.

Denim Jacket: A cropped style in a medium wash the designer calls “dark impressionist.” Faded. Notched collar; round lapels. Silver metal buttons down open front. Flap chest pockets. Long sleeves; extended button tabs on cuffs.

Slashed Jeans: Black. Allover distressed slash marks. Five-pocket style (see back below). Low-rise waist; skinny legs. Fly front; belt loops.

Denim Skirt: Dark wash. Covered buttons down seamed front. Side slash pockets; faux back flap pockets. Side zip.

Press Shots: