Karl Lagerfeld was an iconic figure in the world of fashion, known primarily for his work as creative director of Chanel, fendi and its own eponymous brand, Karl Lagerfeld. Born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1933, Lagerfeld emigrated to Paris as a teenager, where he quickly established himself in the fashion industry. From an early age, he showed interest in design and demonstrated an innate talent that would lead him to become one of the most influential designers of the 20th century.
He began his career with a position as an assistant at Pierre Balmain after winning a design competition in the coat category. She then worked for various fashion houses, including Jean Patou and Chloe, where he honed his style and ability to reinvent classic elements with a contemporary twist. His vision and innovation quickly placed him in the spotlight of Parisian haute couture.
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In 1983, Lagerfeld took over as creative director of Chanel, a fashion house that, at the time, was considered somewhat old-fashioned. Lagerfeld revitalized the brand, modernizing classic Chanel styles without losing the essence of its founder, Coco Chanel. His ability to combine the traditional with the modern redefined the brand and took it to new heights of popularity and prestige. At the same time, he continued his collaboration with Fendi, innovating with unusual materials and techniques that reaffirmed his position as a true pioneer in the industry.
Lagerfeld’s life was also marked by his peculiar appearance, which included a white ponytail, fingerless gloves and dark sunglasses. This image became a symbol of her personal brand and her enigmatic personality. But beyond her public image, Lagerfeld had interests in other creative fields, such as photography, publishing, and illustration, which further enriched her legacy.
The series “Becoming Karl Lagerfeld”, of French origin, premieres on June 7 on Disney+ and it stars the renowned actor Daniel Bruhl. Directed by Audrey Estrougo and Jerome Salle, this series promises to offer a detailed and unique insight into Lagerfeld’s life, beyond his public role as a designer. The production focuses on unknown aspects of his personal and professional life, providing a deeper understanding of his creative process and the events that shaped his career.
One of the central themes of the series is Lagerfeld’s love story with Jacques de Bascher, a French aristocrat known for his bohemian lifestyle and influential presence in Parisian social circles. Their relationship, although complicated, had a significant impact on Lagerfeld’s life, both personally and professionally. This relationship is explored in depth in the series, shedding light on a more human and vulnerable side of the designer, which was often hidden behind his imposing public image.
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Another notable aspect of Becoming Karl Lagerfeld is the designer’s rivalry with Yves Saint Laurent, another giant of French fashion. Saint Laurent and Lagerfeld were contemporaries and constantly competed for supremacy in Parisian haute couture. This competition became one of the most talked about in the fashion industry and played a crucial role in the evolution of style and innovation in their respective fashion houses. The series explores the ups and downs of this rivalry, providing historical context that helps understand how this dynamic influenced and defined the world of fashion for several decades.
The series not only promises to address their triumphs and controversies, but also the complexity of their personal and professional relationships. With such a meticulous approach and high caliber production, Becoming Karl Lagerfeld is emerging as a significant addition to the understanding of one of the most enigmatic and transformative designers of contemporary fashion. The series comes at a time when Karl Lagerfeld’s legacy continues to be celebrated and studied, cementing his lasting impact on global culture and design. Featuring well-known figures behind and in front of the cameras, the series promises to offer a rich and nuanced narrative of Karl Lagerfeld’s life, doing justice to his complexity and genius.
