Lagerfeld Gallery: Lagerfeld Goes Laser
By Timothy Hagy
(Photo by Javier Mateo)
PARIS, Oct 9, 2003/ FW/ --- Karl Lagerfeld's intimate side can more easily be
spotted at his eponymous label, Lagerfeld Gallery. At
his other more famous Paris address, Chanel, his style
tends to get wrapped up in a symbiotic relationship
with Mademoiselle, one that flows in and out with the
passing seasons. Ironically, at Lagerfeld Gallery, his
style comes firmly under the influence of his real
time relationship with Hedi Slimane.
Before the show on Thursday morning, a group of
American editors was resurrecting old gossip - namely
that Karl and Hedi were involved in a romantic liaison
- a rumor that has been flatly denied. The truth, so
far as is known, is that the two are probably soul
mates, kindred spirits actively inspiring each other.
Witness Hedi's new book, Berlin, full of personal
photography that looks like the work of Karl
Lagerfeld, except that the boys are younger. Or, look
at the boyish-looking models on the catwalk today,
sporting razor-sharp leather jackets trailed by
scarves, silver bracelets and brooches, all moving
down the runway faster than lightening. And you start
to see a common denominator, namely a language of
nuance, an artistic expression that is a merger of two
styles - a contemporary style that is breaking down
the codes that separate the sexes.
The Lagerfeld Gallery show began with blood-red lasers
cutting out silhouettes on the stage, another custom
borrowed from Dior Homme. And what followed was a
high-powered show, full of graphic lines and sharp
silhouettes. Glazed mocha leather jackets were paired
with micro skirts, while turquoise and dusty rose
scarves wound round the neck. Chiffon cocktail dresses
were wrapped up with streamers, and tuxedo-redingotes
were glazed with satin lapels.
A series of oyster-gray bathing suits were paired with
sparkling tops, while gorgeous evening dresses in
chocolate and silver were draped, folded and molded
with graceful elegance - a running Lagerfeld
signature.
Following a finale of geometrical pastel designs,
including an alphabet dress fixed with fringed
sleeves, Karl made a complete turn of the catwalk;
attired in what else? A two-tone charcoal jacket from
the Dior Homme Fall 2003 collection, the lapel
enigmatically pierced with a falling silver chain.
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Lagerfeld Gallery
Lagerfeld Gallery
Lagerfeld Gallery
Lagerfeld Gallery
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