Karl Lagerfeld - German fashion designer and icon | DW Documentary
The German-born designer Karl Lagerfeld has died at the age of 85.
He was a designer, an artist and a fashion icon. For this sad occasion we recommend a portrait DW made in 2014.
No living fashion designer, let alone a German one, was as celebrated as Karl Lagerfeld. On September 10, 2018 the man with the trademark ponytail and sunglasses celebrated his 85th birthday. From dawn to late morning, Karl Lagerfeld designs for Chanel, Fendi and his own signature brand - a combined workload of up to 15 collections a year. A workhorse who never takes breaks or even a vacation, he is also a photographer and filmmaker. His passion for fashion was awakened by a Dior show in Hamburg in 1950. Four years later, at the age of 17, Karl Lagerfeld was hired as an assistant to Pierre Balmain. Karl Lagerfeld recounts his beginnings in the industry, as well as his upper class background and childhood in Schleswig-Holstein. Karl Lagerfeld was greatly influenced by his mother, whom he describes as his personal style icon. Karl Lagerfeld's caustic comments were notorious and dreaded by those at the receiving end. As an artist, Karl Lagerfeld worked in several media, from pictures and photographs to book illustrations and videos. The documentary of 2015 follows Karl Lagerfeld to exhibition openings, during the hectic preparations for his fashion shows, and at photo shoots in Paris as it seeks to uncover the man behind the mask.
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Many , many years ago when I worked in the business of Fashion one of my first jobs was with KL producing shows . When you are in the presence of greatness You feel it. He was by far the most sophisticated artist I had the honor of working with so early on. He sat with me outdoors for a moment for some fresh air . He kissed my cheeks and said " I wish to thank you for your hard work and let you know how very much your efforts mean to me" I smiled and thanked him We began to walk back indoors as he reached for my hand and put my arm thru his . I felt like I was with a king . That is the legacy he leaves. His extraordinary style and the immense understanding of the human soul. We have so of these teachers left . The industry is not at all what it once was . He will be missed beyond words. Thank you my dear Mr. Lagerfeld for giving us your opinion on Haute couture and your regal outlook of life. He was successful because he treated everyone as if they were royalty and he genuinely loved fabric and all it became.
Ohhh i can only try to imagine how wonderful you'r own "once in a lifetime" very special Karl Lagerfeld Moment must have felt!!! I admired him a lot, he was one true icon and he will be missed worldwide! RIP Mr.Lagerfeld
Beautiful, thank you for sharing Taylan!
That is an amazing story! I admired him very much. His wit was inspirational.
Thank you for sharing your memory with Karl Lagerfeld. I didn't know much about him, but by going through the videos of him now, it seems he was not a fashion designer but a True Artist with commentaries on Life.
Quelle belle souvenir!!! Merci beaucoup pour partager 😗😗😗
"The more peace you are with yourself the better you can take care others"
“Money is something you throw out of the window , and it comes back through the door “ .. #goals
Lety Jay This was interpreted the false way. He actually says. You have throw money out the window so it comes back trough the door
When you throw money out of The window because you don't know what to do with it diffrently.It comes back through The door with knowlage to share.goals match.
No alcohol, no cigarettes, no drugs Wow Very unique personality
He drinks 10 cans of cola light a day
We're talking about post 70s and 80s I guess..... :-D
Don't make a fuss here. Many of the elites follow this rule, and that's why they do things better.
If you are curious,his personality translate as ENTP
Also very little sleep
The sketch of Karl's mother is so beautiful ... a mere few moments of sketching - Maestro
"If there is one thing I hate is Responsibility; I am completely irresponsible....Freedom is the opposite of responsibility" Amazing.
One can never separate Responsibility and Freedom.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🙋🏿♀️❤️🔥💅🏿
I think he is an artistic genius. I love watching him draw. He knows EXACTLY what he's doing.
*“I admire self-destructive people. But I’m not a rescuer.”*
the same thing could be said about Andy Warhol.
I wonder if he was referring to the late Jacques de Bascher.
The cynical, cold and evil narcissist lacking empathy and despising other people. 👎
Strange thing to say though, "I admire self destructive people." I cannot wrap my head around this. Whether you rescue or not, this is not what I want answered; needs more explanation to me.
@@Jeruman11 He was another artist who liked to surround himself with self destructive people. Edie Sedgewick etc....
He's not only a great fashion designer. He's also a great philosopher.
Fashion designer, more a Artist and using his brains.
A cool looking dude even at 85!
"...The more at peace you are with yourself, the better you can take care of others"
I find him fascinating, I just can't get enough of him.
I could not agree more!!!
Yeah, he's fascinating. I just cant afford his shit.
Learned a lot from him.. he embodies what so many try to achieve: live in the moment, in the present. Wow
mr Lagerfeld shows what one can do without drugs and alcohol
And a brilliant artistic mind
Narcissist who plays with fantasy and gets great rewards Utterly vain, self centred and full of bloated self praise
@@ukraine7249 that ugly star of the show may be your remidhahaha.
YES Its definitely only for the strong minded. What weak people do with drugs and alcohol is pathetic isnt it?
@@wandamakeupify 'Fashion is neither moral nor immoral, but it is for rebuilding the morale! (Karl Lagerfeld, 1933-2019}
'Karl Lagerfeld's passion for fashion is infectious and inspires one to live life to it's fullest.'
The ones who have billions don't even show off R.I.P legend.
Thank you for such precious moments
"I live for today..Paradise now".. Love that
Those who care a lot about "paradise now" tend to end up in quite another place .... Do I need to remind you its name ?
Bravo, what a great view of such an iconic man. A very inspiring documentary where he still creating at his own beat and desires.
His method of drawings is like fluids. So smooth. Maybe that is what talent is all about.
I so greatly appreciate Mr Largerfelds germanic straightforwardness brutal but brilliant
howdy268 a1
A great designer putting it mildly ! Thank you for this film .
You can't replace someone like this. The talent, and vision, can't be replaced.
Ppppp
I always remember the film about Valentino's career, just before he retired You and him were together, and you said to him. Compared to you, we are all designing rags That is the kind of person you were, not afraid to compliment a friend on his or her achievements You had an eye for the artistic, you were also a photographer I loved your clothing I was gifted several pieces of which I wear all the time And I will pass on so that someone else can enjoy there beauty RIP KAISER
Only KAISER, not simply GOD ? Pathetic .... 😂😁😀
A sincere 'Thank You' to DW for consistently sharing quality work with us!!
*_THIS DOCUMENTARY AND SONGS HERE ARE MY SOULMATE_*
It was a great documentary. I admire Karl for his character and his influence in fashion. He will be remembered as one of the greatest in history of fashion.
The end an an era, RIP Karl Lagerfeld
Always enjoyed his aura or "look"..............mysterious. His designs.with Chanel..........sublime.
Another legend has passed on, Karl was a supreme force in the fashion movement :( His legacy will not be forgotten... Rest in paradise x
Paradise ? You must be kidding .... 😂😀😁
That was sooo inspiring! I love the way he was talking about his mother.
That last shot of him when he was young and that song fit perfectly 😸
The more you listen to his statements and quotes you realize he had an extraordinary existential philosophy which was unique to him which eludes us all. I am fascinated.
His mother was fierce! And I love how he had long hair WAY before it was fashionable! In the 50s! He is very talented and different and was raised by his mother to stay humble. I like him much more after watching this. I also adore his personal assistant/model/bodyguard/best friend! What loyalty he has towards his friends who have been with him for so long. I love that he is also the model for Lagerfeld, who better to represent the line? It's real!
Yeah loyal, but he didnt pay any tribute to Versace in his 20th anniversary. Valentino did
Everything about him is iconic. R.I.P
Began to watch DW-TV I have been just fifteen. This channel taught what is world class programs really are...
"Its better to fit your clothes than force them to fit you"...….should be the very idea of the fashion industry.
He's so creative !!! Thinks out of the box all the time
Such a great inspiration and genius. Love him 💕
He is not a “fashion designer “, but a couture architect.
He's an ambassador of beauty
@@just_cade he was dreadful. my GOSH .. I remember one Chanel show ... it was 𝑒𝓃𝒹𝓁𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝓅𝑒𝓇𝓂𝓊𝓉𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 of the same design in 19 color/texture. the guy was a fraud of talent. unlike let say let say a .. Oscar de la Renta who with just pop-on a random accessory backstage on a model... (without rehearsal) and was incredible! BACKSTAGE at runway shows tells you who is talented and have the eye for fashion vs hired face in a crowd.
OMG... we have the same name... I've NEVER met anyone with my name... I've heard of the tennis player we share a name with but that's it. ❤️
I love this man's realistic outlook on life I love to call it wisdom. He is not only handsome but humble 😌
His work will forever be unmatched, Rest In Peace to one of greatest fashion icons
Magnifique.J'aime beaucoup.Merci DW 😗
The most underated fashion documentary. I really love this! Danke Schön! 💐🖤
Karl is Brilliant!!! Such an amazing man, vision, gifted, talented, lovely.
What a beautiful, humble human being. I‘m gonna miss you very much.
love the man, his culture, his knowledge, his savoir-faire, his elegance, and his witty sense of humour... I wish I could meet this legend one day in my life.
Best film about him ever...he's so missed, a true original
I was so touched to see that footage of Karl and Jacques (at 27:30)... De Bascher is such an interesting character and is very much misunderstood. There are very few videos of him around, and I was glad to see this one :)
Good for him. Very inspiring.
Love, LOVE, Karl and Chanel! My Karl Lagerfeld dress is one of my most prized possessions
Definitely one to admire , a beautiful soul.
I have watched this documentary some time ago and the interview and the work of Karl was really impressive! I am not into fashion but I admire his work, even some of his life philosophies. It was a good hard working men I am sad that he is gone now but happy he could leave this word doing what he loved for such long time. RIP Karl, you would be remembered!
Admirable, was so much accomplished throughout his entire career. Smart and dedicated to the utmost details.
Anyone notice the background music is from the soundtrack of THE LOVER ? No drugs , No alcohol , that's Why he lived till 85 RIP Lagerfeld
Wow this documentary sure made me respect him!
this was a very interesting person to watch a doc about.
I love this documentary so well done a work of ART.......and Karl is everything FASCINATING!!!!! I love listening to his thoughts and experiences.
Could someone please take away the voiceover when someone speaks and add subs instead?
Sushilord i can’t agree more!! It makes it so difficult to watch!
Sushilord no
I like the voiceover, it's deep and soothing for me. But that's my preference
Sushilord I know right
INDEED IT'S SOOOO ANNOYING !!! =(
Rest In Peace Legend🕊
Rest In Peace Mr. Karl Lagerfeld. You sir, were undoubtedly one of the very best.
I hope someone saved his drawings. He said something about throwing everything away "I'm my trash bins greatest customer" or something like that. Please, some maid have saved everything. His contributions will continue to inspire, that's the point of an archive. Others are inspired by what you have done Karl. We love you!! Your spirit lives on so there's nothing to be missed. It will always live in the clothes with Chanel and Fendi as the labels.
Except that would completely be missing the point..his point. Don't hold on to the past. Keep looking towards what's next. You hold on to his work for inspiration but it won't be that. You call it inspiring but it's not. If you think about, you're not moving forward... not moving on to what's next. What you end up with is working in the same echo chamber.
Rip Karl Lagerfeld a true fashion legend that will go on forever 19.02.2019
Wow DW. This was quite an achievement and different from your normal current affairs fare. Really enjoyed this documentary. I've seen many documentaries about Karl but this is the first one with any real introspection from him about his childhood and upbringing. Finding his old classmates to talk was a jewel of an idea. It was wonderful to hear about people who knew him at a younger age. Sounds like his mother had a mercurial effect on his life and encouraged his irreverent attitude to life which has allowed him to flourish. I'm glad to see he opened up a little about his sexuality/companions. Nice to see him sharing a little about his personal life. Amazing documentary!
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It was a deep look in his dark brown eay Soul.Without fear.Without the backgrounds.He was seperated (Keped there minds out) this moment the people arround him.It was just me and him in that room.There was nomore Aggression.
Respect. One of my all time icons.
....a genius has gone from us. Thanks you for everything! 🐞🍀😘
i live for today.. you can't live for memories, they always seem rosier - epic
HIS MEMORY AND MIND❤️❤️❤️
Karl, thankyou for sharing your life with us. It's been a pleasure to watch you become one of the greatest artists that has ever lived. Thank you.
He was a genius. Of course in the moment he is looking forward as all great artist do and the way he downplayed his talent and influence just blew my mind. If you love art, fashion and everything beautiful Karl Lagerfield has been a part of it and will forever be a part of it.
I seriously love this man. As a person and his work. Superb!
RIP to a legend! He and his work will be missed
Thanks for sharing
I like the wisdom of this guy... hope he's like this in reality as well and not only for the camera
No, that's exactly how he is. Greetings from Germany.
Very inspirational RIP❤️
What a remarkable statement: “Only when you’re at ease with yourself, you are free to help others.” There’s no doubt: Karl Lagerfeld was a great personality. Rest in peace (if this does not bore you).
Nothing new. All NARCISSISTS are very easily bored ! Think about it !
@@ziggyz1466 He was NOT a narcissist. He was also very generous to many causes. Which he always kept private.
house of channel will miss one of the greats fashion will never be the same.
Wonderful Creative Genius ! Smart Man Interesting Man ! I Really Like Him His Mindset Is Really Cool ! ❤️🙏🏻✨
We off our Sincere Condolences ~ You will be missed dear Karl ~ Thank you for all Jennie ~
There is one evil narcissist less in this world now. Nothing to be sad or sorry about !
Happy Birthday!! 84 years young.
84? He look perfectly normal for this age. Awesome
85
He was Coco Chanel spiritual son.... he left us yesterday and we already miss him.
Great show. thank you
Inspire people and role models for many ❤️
He powdered his hair to make it snow white like his mother’s hair...😉 that was his way of bringing his mom with him, everywhere he went.
A truly enlightened human being. Completely creating a reality in real time. Something to aspire to. He raised the curve for all human existence ever.
Crazy how all his interviews we see him standing.
I love the way this guy thinks. He's fascinating and very wise.
I just read his biography in 3 days. His life is fascinating.
I love his men's cologne and have worn it for 40 years! At the end of they day, you are the only one to be exactly who you think that you are. Confidence is key and only "the moment" counts!
timeless
Great man with outstanding accomplishments
My first parfum was the one of Karls Lagerfeld named First. I love German fashion design.
Love you! Peace ! Love from Monaco.
His mother may have been critical of him but she had his back and that made all the difference.....
Have always loved Karl Lagerfeld.
Wow no wonder people like his styles. Very tasteful, elegant, no doubt comfortable for the most part, What a great story about someone famous who focuses on his work. It's really cook that he didn't feel a need to pretend, party, and all the other vices he could have been into. It is no wonder that all his staff love him, are faithful to him, and have worked for so long with him. A Renascence man in our time. Love this clothes that were shown on this video.
39:55 What a full work schedule! The inspiration is to not hold back, but be prolific. Rest in power Karl Lagerfeld.
Fashion is very important in the economy of a country.
Bravo ! L icône le merveilleux le plus beau le plus grand artiste du siècle c est Maître Karl Lagerfeld ♥️🎈
Legends Never Die