Karl Templer

.

Karl Templer, a luminary in the world of fashion styling, stands as a defining force in the industry, known for his tenure as the creative force behind Interview magazine and his influential role at Arena Homme Plus. His editorial genius has graced the pages of premier publications such as French and Italian Vogue, W, Pop, V, and The New York Times, through collaborations with esteemed photographers like Steven Meisel, David Sims, and Craig McDean. His long-term partnerships span illustrious brands including Dior, Sacai, Alexander Wang, Moncler, and Tommy Hilfiger, with a recent appointment as creative director at Ports 1961.

Templer’s journey into fashion began with a keen interest in clothes, leading him to a weekend job at a menswear store in London and an immersion into the nightlife and magazine cultures of the city. His early creative experiments were noticed by The Face, setting the stage for a move to New York and a career-defining collaboration with Richard Avedon on a Hugo Boss campaign.

Templer’s transition from menswear to womenswear was seamless, spurred by his exploratory editorial work and a pivotal assignment for Italian Vogue with Steven Meisel at 27. His continued collaboration with Meisel at the magazine, alongside roles as a creative consultant for Sacai and styling for Dior, Coach, and Tommy Hilfiger, underscores his versatility and enduring influence.

In recent years, Templer has expanded his portfolio with campaigns and lookbooks for Zara, Alexander Wang, Moncler, and Document Journal. Despite facing allegations of professional misconduct in a 2018 investigative report by The Boston Globe, Templer addressed the claims with a statement to Women’s Wear Daily, and The Globe later clarified that the story did not specifically implicate him in sexual misconduct. This episode in Templer’s career highlights the complexities and challenges within the fashion industry, even as he continues to shape its visual and stylistic narratives.