Karl Lagerfeld checks into the hotel business via new hospitality division

London - Famed designer Karl Lagerfeld has never been content to keep his artist skills limited within the fashion industry, dabbling in everything from photography, to writing to designing his very own colored pencil set 'Karl Box.' Which is why it comes as no big surprise that the German designer is set to expand his design empire to include hotels, resorts and clubs.

On Monday, Karl Lagerfeld announced the expansion of its global business to develop an international hospitality brand, known as Karl Lagerfeld Hotels & Resorts. Although it would not be Lagerfeld's first time designing hotels, as the designer has collaborated with the Metropole Hotel in Monaco and Le Crillon in Paris in the past, the new business arm would see the designer and his company designing full-blown hotels for the first time.

"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 in a press release. "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."

In order to oversee the company's new business and product development, Karl Lagerfeld has entered into an exclusive, long-term license agreement with Brandmark Collective. Through the company's new venture Karl Lagerfeld Hospitality, the designer will launch a series of "bespoke projects" including hotels, residential properties, restaurants and private clubs. Each property or location aims to reflect Karl's unique approach to style and aesthetic style.

"We inherently understand the unique needs of hospitality owners and developers," said Tony Kurz, CEO of Brandmark Collective. "And we will collectively deliver the Karl Lagerfeld brand offering in a way that celebrates the designer's unique talent and approach to fashion and lifestyle."

At the moment, the exact locations of Karl Lagerfeld future hotels, clubs and resorts remains unknown, but the business is "currently exploring opportunities in gateway markets and resort destinations worldwide." Lagerfeld is not the only designer to expand his talents into the service and hospitality industry and joins the likes of Versace, Bulgari and Armani in designing hotels.

Photos: Courtesy of Brandmark Collective