Credits: Henning Schlottmann (User: H-stt) / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 4.0.
The world of Haute Couture comes to the screen with the documentary series Karl Lagerfeld – Revelation. Co-directed by Guillaume Perez, this documentary explores the life of the famous German fashion designer through previously unseen archive footage. Karl Lagerfeld, known for his role as creative director at Fendi and Chanel, is presented in a new light. The first two episodes of the series aired this Wednesday, January 17, at 9:10 p.m. on Canal+.
Guillaume Perez discussed his experience as co-director of these four episodes. Despite his distance from the world of fashion, the offer to work on this documentary proved irresistible to him. He had already had the opportunity to meet Lagerfeld while making programs such as Les Dîners by Thierry Ardisson. Perez remembers Lagerfeld as someone comfortable in front of the media, but also as a man of remarkable courtesy.
Perez addresses Lagerfeld’s tendency to obscure the facts about his age and origins. Despite these mysteries, documents such as his baptism announcement helped clarify some of the gray areas. Perez also highlights Lagerfeld’s reserve, noting his skill at turning sometimes dull reality into compelling stories.
The documentary does not simply glorify Lagerfeld, but also explores his difficult moments, such as his bankruptcy in the late 1990s and the loss of his great love, Jacques de Bascher. Despite these ordeals, Lagerfeld managed to reinvent himself and keep his despair out of the spotlight.
The complex relationship between Lagerfeld and Yves Saint-Laurent is also addressed. They started out as close friends before tensions, notably due to Pierre Bergé and Jacques de Bascher, drove them apart.
This documentary offers a deep dive into the life of one of fashion’s biggest names, revealing the hidden sides of Karl Lagerfeld. His story, marked by success, reinvention, and a certain melancholy, is told with respect throughout.