Inside King Karl’s Kingdom

Karl Lagerfeld opens his debut British store today, and we were the first to step inside. The Chanel helmer has been heavily involved in the creation of the flagship, housed on Regent Street near to J Crew and Tommy Hilfiger, which has taken six months to design.

Technology was a key focus for the designer - he wants to be able to interact with his customers, so shoppers can sign a digital guest book where he will tweet his favourite messages. Each of the changing rooms feature iPads where customers can upload pictures of themselves in their new Lagerfeld outfits directly onto Instagram.

Karl Lagerfeld

As you'd expect, the interior is strictly black and white with a giant Karl mural on the wall, masterminded by UK design studio I Love Dust. If Lagerfeld was to create his own kingdom it would look like this; all clean lines, sparkling surfaces, plush sofas with cushions bearing his face, a carpeted staircase with a gold bannister and more mirrors than you can possibly imagine. As well as his ready-to-wear and accessories collections, the store also sells his dedicated British-inspired range - featuring Karl white collars, fingerless black gloves, Karl dolls (including a version of him carrying his beloved cat Choupette), keyrings, baseball caps, wallets and iPhone cases. There is also a collection of books available, from coffee table tomes to more entertainment compliations of his most famous quotes.