In 1998, Ackermann began a five-month internship at John Galliano , building his portfolio over the next few years with designers such as Bernhard Willhelm, Patrick Van Ommeslaeghe and Mayerline. Karl Lagerfeld had gone on record saying that he believed Ackermann a worthy successor to his mantle at Chanel, a fitting compliment for one of fashion’s most talented designers.