On June 20 Chanel, Fendi, and Karl Lagerfeld brought the fashion world together to honour the brilliant designer.
The performance titled Karl For Ever took place at Grand Palais which used to host famous Chanel shows. The palace’s walls were adorned with 56 portraits of the great designer. The guests could feel his presence thanks to the video interviews edited by Robert Carsen. The maitre’s friends hit the stage to read excerpts from his favourite books, sing his favourite songs, and pay the last respects to the Kaiser.
Tilda Swinton read an excerpt from one of Karl Lagerfeld’s favourite books, Orlando: A Biography by Virginia Woolf. Cara Delevigne read a part of Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette’s La Chatte in its English translation while photos of late Lagerfeld’s beloved cat Choupette were projected onto the stage backdrop. Helen Mirren read several quotes from the couturier’s The World According To Karl accompanied by Charlie Siem’s to a standing ovation.
Among the guests who came to honour the memory of the fashion legend there were Maria Venturini Fendi, Stella McCartney, Alber Elbaz, Haider Ackermann, Valentino Garavani, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and other celebrities.
The designer did not want any mourning to be held after his passing. He wanted to disappear forever. As per the designer’s will the memorial gathering was light-hearted and friendly. The night ended with Karl Lagerfeld’s traditional bow — the way he closed every fashion show. Only this time the couturier appeared on the screen.
Written by Polina Vorobyova
Translated by Tony Savosin
