The Costume Institute in New York is currently showcasing its latest exhibit titled ‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,’ which is dedicated to celebrating the life and work of the late designer. This exhibition features a carefully curated selection of Lagerfeld’s designs from his time at Chanel, Chloé, Fendi, and his own eponymous line. The unveiling of the exhibit was attended by a select group of journalists and museum supporters, and included heartfelt remarks from notable individuals such as Max Hollein, Roger Lynch, Carla Bruni, and Andrew Bolton.
Max Hollein, the director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, began the event by acknowledging Lagerfeld’s immense contribution to the fashion industry. He commended Lagerfeld for his ability to bridge the gap between art and commerce, showcasing unparalleled expertise and creativity. Hollein also praised Andrew Bolton, the curator of the Costume Institute, for his meticulous selection of 200 designs from a staggering collection of 10,000, effectively representing Lagerfeld’s extensive career.
CEO of Condé Nast, Roger Lynch, took the stage to speak about the publishing house’s commitment to preserving Lagerfeld’s legacy and supporting the Costume Institute. Lynch announced that a substantial gift would be shared with The Met in October, with the aim of inspiring future generations of artists and fashion designers. Lynch expressed his gratitude towards Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue and a tireless advocate for the Costume Institute.
Carla Bruni, a longtime friend and former employee of Lagerfeld, shared her personal memories of the designer. She described him as kind-hearted and expressed her profound appreciation for his kindness and consideration. Bruni believed that Lagerfeld’s presence still lingers, and humorously imagined him looking down on the tribute to his work, which is something he never sought.
Andrew Bolton, the curator of the exhibit, discussed the challenges in representing Lagerfeld’s remarkable career spanning 65 years and multiple design houses. He chose to focus on Lagerfeld as a designer, placing emphasis on his exceptional talent for sketching. Through films and interviews with Lagerfeld’s atelier team, the exhibit beautifully showcased his infamous sketching process.
The exhibit was divided into several rooms, each dedicated to exploring different aesthetic themes in Lagerfeld’s work. From the juxtaposition of Feminine and Masculine elements to an exploration of Historical and Futuristic lines, each room displayed looks from Chanel, Fendi, Chloé, and Lagerfeld’s own collection. A centerpiece in each room embodied the theme, with several looks displayed on the second floor for a more immersive experience.
Pier Paolo Righi, the CEO of Karl Lagerfeld, expressed his emotions at seeing the exhibit come together. He described it as a heartfelt tribute to Lagerfeld’s enduring legacy, which he himself never allowed himself to fully receive. Righi also noted that viewers would be pleasantly surprised to witness the colorful and vibrant work from Lagerfeld’s 1970s era, as he is often associated with a more monochromatic palette.
In conclusion, the ‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty’ exhibit offers a comprehensive and captivating exploration of Lagerfeld’s remarkable contributions to fashion and design. It unreservedly celebrates his boundless creativity, sharp wit, and unwavering passion, leaving visitors with a newfound admiration for Lagerfeld’s iconic career.
Useful Links:
1. Metropolitan Museum of Art
2. Vogue
