The Lagerfeld Series Succeeds in Capturing the Essence of the Fashion Icon
Karl Lagerfeld was always a seeker, a driven individual in search of the hidden treasures of his artistic expression. Five years after his passing, his iconic style with the high-collared shirts, fans, biker gloves, glasses, white ponytail, and black attire still remains vivid in our memories. However, what about Karl the Younger?
Back in early 1972, the young Hamburg native was far from being recognized as a style icon or the „Kaiser Karl“ as portrayed in the Gaument biopic. Thankfully, Disney+ renamed the series to „Becoming Karl Lagerfeld.“ The protagonist, whom the world remembers vividly, entered the fashion scene at the age of 38, strutting in bright red boots through a gay bar, catching the attention of Jacques de Bascher.
Despite his success in the French fashion industry for over 20 years, Lagerfeld remained unknown to many. Disney portrays him as distinguished, original, glamorous, and très, très chic – qualities that the French did not easily attribute to Germans just a generation after the war. However, in the realm of creative geniuses like Dior and Chanel, Lagerfeld was a blank canvas.
The series delves into a fascinating love story, as Lagerfeld navigates his way through the fashion world with his companion, Jacques. His ambition to rise above his nemesis, Yves Saint Laurent, drives him to seek recognition beyond the elite circles of fashion. As he embarks on his journey to establish his unique style, the pursuit of fame becomes a double-edged sword, affecting those around him and himself.
Daniel Brühl’s portrayal of Lagerfeld captures the complexities of the designer’s character – from control to loss, inferiority complex to megalomania, abundance to austerity, and excess to loneliness. His performance epitomizes the brilliance of the Cologne-born global icon, speaking multiple languages effortlessly and embodying Lagerfeld’s essence with precision.
The series showcases Lagerfeld’s relentless pursuit of success, his platonic relationship with Jacques, and his tumultuous rivalry with Yves, creating a visually stunning narrative that transcends the screen. The attention to detail in costumes, sets, and hairstyles immerses viewers in Lagerfeld’s world, capturing the essence of the era and the characters‘ emotions authentically.
In this queer exploration of Lagerfeld’s life, the series seamlessly intertwines aesthetics with storytelling, creating a rich and immersive experience for viewers. Through its compelling narrative and captivating performances, „Becoming Karl Lagerfeld“ emerges as a poignant and visually striking portrayal of the legendary designer’s quest for a unique style.
Experience the captivating journey of „Becoming Karl Lagerfeld“ now available on Disney+.