Sébastien Jondeau, the former bodyguard and personal assistant of the iconic Karl Lagerfeld, has recently collaborated on a memoir with Virginie Mouzat titled “Ça va, cher Karl ?” or “How are you, dear Karl.” This memoir delves into Jondeau’s experiences of working closely with Lagerfeld for over 20 years until the designer’s passing in 2019.
Having grown up in the tough neighborhoods of Paris, Jondeau faced a significant culture shock when he first entered Lagerfeld’s world. However, he eventually adapted and embraced the new lifestyle that came with working alongside Lagerfeld. Jondeau wore many hats during his time with Lagerfeld, including that of a model, personal assistant, and bodyguard, but he always maintained that Lagerfeld was his boss above all.
One of the most challenging aspects that Jondeau recalls from his time with Lagerfeld was the secrecy surrounding the designer’s illness. Both Jondeau and Lagerfeld worked together to keep this illness hidden from the public eye while continuing to excel in their respective roles. Jondeau acknowledges that discussing these personal moments from his time with Lagerfeld may not have pleased the designer.
The most poignant moment for Jondeau during his tenure with Lagerfeld was, without a doubt, the loss of the designer. Jondeau expresses his longing to bring Lagerfeld back if given the chance to change anything. Despite Lagerfeld’s absence, Jondeau continues to pay tribute to him by serving as the brand ambassador for the Karl Lagerfeld men’s line, showcasing the enduring influence Lagerfeld has had on his creative choices.
In his memoir, Jondeau also delves into his relationship with Baptiste Giabiconi, another close figure in Lagerfeld’s circle. Jondeau explains that while their relationship may have had its ups and downs, there is no animosity between the two. Looking towards the future, Jondeau remains optimistic about potential creative collaborations with Giabiconi or others in honor of Lagerfeld’s legacy.
Overall, Jondeau’s memoir offers a compelling and unique perspective on his time spent with Lagerfeld and the ongoing impact the designer continues to have on his life and career. Through his work as the brand ambassador for Karl Lagerfeld, Jondeau ensures that Lagerfeld’s legacy endures through his continued creative pursuits.
To learn more about the memoir “Ça va, cher Karl ?”, you can check out the book on the Amazon website. For updates on Sébastien Jondeau’s current projects and collaborations, you can visit the Karl Lagerfeld official website.
