Documentary Delves into Lagerfeld's Life and Legacy
Dramatic Portrayal of Lagerfeld's Life Unveiled in Documentary
Paris - Acclaimed documentarian Gero von Boehm brings forth an intimate portrayal of Karl Lagerfeld, the noted fashion designer, in the forthcoming film, "Karl - The Man Behind the Mask." Scheduled to air on 3sat this Saturday at 8:15 PM, the 60-minute documentary will also be available in the media library.
Von Boehm has gathered a diverse range of notable figures to provide insights into the multifaceted figure that was Lagerfeld (1933-2019). Interviewees include US Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, model Nadja Auermann, actor Daniel Brühl, designer Wolfgang Joop, and F.A.Z. journalist Alfons Kaiser, biographer of Lagerfeld.
Supermodel Claudia Schiffer, a longtime favorite of Lagerfeld, reminisces about their time together, stating that he transformed her from a shy German girl into a supermodel.
The Final Moments and Legacy
Sébastien Jondeau, Lagerfeld's confidant in his final years, offers unique perspectives on the moments leading up to his death in February 2019. Jondeau also shares the designer's wishes regarding his ashes and why there is neither a gravestone nor a memorial for Lagerfeld.
Many intriguing anecdotes, such as those about his early years in Paris, paint a vivid picture of the self-promotion master who spoke much but revealed little about himself. Lagerfeld himself claimed to belong to no generation, no milieu, but fit in everywhere.
Glamour and Influence
Anecdotes from Lagerfeld's childhood friend, Peter Bermbach, highlight the designer's early years in Paris, where he was known for parading around in a tight swimsuit at the pool and parking his Mercedes convertible in front of popular cafes.
A fashion competition in the 50s saw Lagerfeld win first prize for a coat design, but it was then 18-year-old Yves Saint Laurent who won the prize for the best dress, marking the beginning of a competitive relationship that would span the decades.
Lagerfeld was one of the first big names from haute couture to collaborate with a fast-fashion brand, partnering with H&M much later in his career.
Origins and Love
The documentary offers speculation and psychoanalytic insights into Lagerfeld's life. He reportedly hid or changed his birth year due to the association with the Nazi rise to power, and was said to have invented tall tales about his ancestry.
Lagerfeld's only great love, the dandy Jacques de Bascher, died from AIDS in 1989 at the age of 38. Caroline Lebar, Lagerfeld’s communications director, reveals that Lagerfeld dealt with the difficult subjects of illness and decay at the time, and spent his last days with Bascher before returning to work immediately.
The Man Who Refused Death
The documentary also covers the battle Lagerfeld faced when confronted with prostate cancer in 2015, revealing how he refused to acknowledge the disease until it almost took his life. Work, work, work - that was his life, and he refused to accept death, despite nearly dying from the illness.
Sources close to Lagerfeld in the film include longtime assistant and confidant Sébastien Jondeau, model Claudia Schiffer, actor Daniel Brühl, designer Wolfgang Joop, and journalist Alfons Kaiser, all of whom offer unique insights into the life and legacy of the legendary designer.
- Although the documentary "Karl - The Man Behind the Mask" delves deep into the life of Karl Lagerfeld, it also explores his connections with the wider world, such as his involvement in entertainment, pop-culture, and celebrities, featuring interviews with US Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and actor Daniel Brühl.
- The documentary sheds light on Lagerfeld's influence not only in the realm of fashion but also in the entertainment industry, showcasing anecdotes about his friendship with celebrities like supermodel Claudia Schiffer and his collaborations with fast-fashion brands, such as H&M.
