Karl Lagerfeld, the famous fashion designer and creative genius, left a lasting legacy that surpassed the boundaries of fashion. Not only known for his impeccable style and attention to detail, Lagerfeld was also deeply passionate about architecture. Now, his vision of creating innovative and sustainable couture villas has become a reality. The Karl Lagerfeld Villas Marbella, located in the scenic hills above the Spanish resort, have recently been unveiled by the fashion house.
This extraordinary project consists of five uniquely designed villas, each boasting its own swimming pool and shallow panels of water to reduce heat. The pools are constructed with glass walls, allowing natural light to flow into the basement area. Surrounding the villas are lush plantings of pomegranate trees, palm trees, and shrubs, ensuring privacy for each residence within the expansive 12,000-square-meter plot.
Similar to collaborations between fashion designers and real estate developers like Armani and Versace, this project operates under a license fee agreement between Sierra Blanca Estates, the developer, and the Karl Lagerfeld fashion house. Lagerfeld, renowned for his work with Chanel and Fendi, had a distinct aesthetic characterized by black and white color schemes and German expressionism. This design philosophy is evident in the use of reflective materials like steely gray ceramic tiles with mirrored finishes, or white-gold dust, as well as black and white terrazzo flooring and geometric gardens. In line with sustainability efforts, the villas are designed to function like lungs, with multiple patios, see-through ground floors, and window modulation systems on the upper floors.
Lagerfeld himself had an extensive collection of thousands of books in each of his homes, ranging from a mansion in St Germain to a Mediterranean villa. The architectural models of the Karl Lagerfeld Villas Marbella feature extensive libraries, paying tribute to Lagerfeld’s love for literature. The project’s key stakeholders, including Pier Paolo Righi (CEO of the Karl Lagerfeld fashion house), Carlos Rodriguez (Sierra Blanca Estates), architect Michele Galli, and Caroline Lebar (Lagerfeld’s longtime collaborator), share their insights on this remarkable endeavor.
Pier Paolo Righi explains that the decision to undertake this project arises from Lagerfeld’s diverse interests that extended beyond fashion. As custodians of the Karl Lagerfeld brand, they feel a responsibility to continue Lagerfeld’s passions, including architecture. The partnership between Sierra Blanca Estates, the fashion house, and the ideal location were the driving forces behind the decision to embark on this venture.
Caroline Lebar discusses the design elements that capture Lagerfeld’s spirit. Each villa will be equipped with a library, reminiscent of Lagerfeld’s personal collection. Lebar highlights Lagerfeld’s ability to transform challenging materials into something beautiful, which is evident in the villas’ rooftops made of solar panels. The mirrored walls pay homage to Lagerfeld’s fondness for mirrors in his own residences. Lebar emphasizes that the organic and unique shapes of the villas embody the spirit of couture architecture.
Michele Galli explains the process of studying Lagerfeld’s personality and brand identity to incorporate his ideas into the architecture and interior design. The use of black and white, with various tonal variations, throughout the project reflects Lagerfeld’s aesthetic. Galli adds that the villas were designed to have a carbon-neutral footprint and embrace sustainable practices.
Carlos Rodriguez reveals that construction is set to commence in March 2022 and conclude in October 2023. While the pricing of the villas has not been disclosed, Rodriguez emphasizes that potential buyers should view this as an investment in an exclusive experience rather than just purchasing a villa.
Pier Paolo Righi expresses his satisfaction with the collaboration and hints at the possibility of future bespoke projects that align with the brand’s ethos. The capital investment for the Karl Lagerfeld Villas Marbella remains undisclosed, but Rodriguez assures that the project’s quality and uniqueness will guarantee its success.
The discussion also touches on the Karl Lagerfeld branded hotel opening in Macao and the potential of making the Karl Lagerfeld brand public in the future. While Lagerfeld won’t witness the realization of the Lagerfeld Villas, it is believed that he would be proud of how the fashion house has interpreted his vision. The article concludes with a delightful anecdote about Lagerfeld’s experience designing countries for a real estate project in Dubai.
These Karl Lagerfeld Villas in Marbella embody the essence of Lagerfeld’s design philosophy and his deep passion for architecture. With their distinctive features, sustainable design elements, and homage to Lagerfeld’s personal style, these villas are destined to become iconic landmarks in Marbella’s real estate landscape.
Here are two useful links related to the Karl Lagerfeld Villas Marbella:
– Official Karl Lagerfeld Website
– Sierra Blanca Estates Website
