Karl Lagerfeld set to open first store in Britain

Lagerfeld: 'I love what I do. That's the best motivation there is' (AP)

The fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, known for his eccentric style and controversial opinions, is close to agreeing a deal to open his first store in the UK.

Mr Lagerfeld, who designs for Chanel, has his own brand which made its debut in Paris in February.

It plans to open an outpost on South Molton Street in central London, in a store currently let to Kurt Geiger. The store should open by the end of the year. This will follow an opening in Amsterdam this month and a second Paris store in the Marais district next month.

The designer has been selling his brand online and in department stores such as Selfridges and Harrods.

The store-opening programme – 10 are planned initially – has been instigated by the majority owner, private-equity group Apax Partners. It could eventually reach 100 stores.