Lagerfeld - Kaiser De La Moda is a documentary film about the life and career of Karl Lagerfeld, the legendary fashion designer who passed away in 2019. Directed by fashion journalist Caroline Lebar, the film offers an intimate look at the man behind the iconic image, from his early years as a design assistant in Paris to his long tenure as creative director of Chanel and Fendi.
The film is structured around a series of interviews with Lagerfeld conducted by Lebar over the course of several years. These conversations provide a candid and often humorous glimpse into the designer's personality and creative process, as well as his opinions on everything from fashion trends to the state of the world. Interspersed with the interviews are archival footage and photographs of Lagerfeld throughout his career, as well as interviews with his colleagues and friends in the fashion industry.
One of the major themes of Lagerfeld - Kaiser De La Moda is Lagerfeld's dedication to his craft. The film highlights his tireless work ethic and commitment to perfection, as well as his willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of fashion. Through interviews with colleagues like Anna Wintour and Bernard Arnault, we see how Lagerfeld's singular vision and uncompromising standards earned him not only widespread acclaim, but also made him a driving force in the fashion industry for over half a century.
Alongside Lagerfeld's professional achievements, the film also delves into his personal life. We learn about his close relationship with his mother, whom he credits with instilling in him a love of beauty and creativity, as well as his lifelong passion for reading and collecting books. We also see how Lagerfeld's love of his cat, Choupette, became a major part of his public persona in his later years.
Ultimately, Lagerfeld - Kaiser De La Moda offers a comprehensive and engaging portrait of one of the most influential designers of our time. Through extensive interviews, archival footage, and insightful commentary, the film paints a vivid picture of Lagerfeld's life and legacy, showing how his singular vision and artistic talent transformed the world of fashion and made him a true icon.
