There’s no way of saying this: Karl Lagerfeld’s untimely death in February this year created a void in the fashion world that left countless reeling. Four months on, the houses of Chanel, Fendi and Karl Lagerfeld joined forces with a sole mission in mind – to celebrate the life of the influential man, and the legacy he’d imparted.
The emotionally-charged memorial, a brainchild of Canadian opera director Robert Carsen, included a montage of videos highlighting Lagerfeld’s life, as well as testimonials from individuals who had been close to him.
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A first glimpse inside the #KarlForever ceremony, yesterday in Paris. #KarlForever2019
The event was made all the more special, thanks to stage performances by a host of actors, musicians and dancers who brought to life a selection of Lagerfeld’s most beloved music and literature pieces. Some of the Hollywood A-listers present included the likes of Tilda Swinton, Fanny Ardant, Cara Delevingne and Helen Mirren, who recited a selection of works from Lagerfeld’s favourite writers like Virginia Woolf and Edith Sitwell.
If you’d ever wondered about the eclectic range of art and influences that ultimately contributed to Lagerfeld’s portfolio over the course of his career, the memorable tribute might have succeeded in shedding some light on the diverse range of references the man had drawn upon in his life. The event saw performances from artists and musicians like Jookin dancer Lil Buck, violinist Charlie Siem, Argentinian choreographer German Cornejo and his troupe of 17 tango dancers, pianist Lang Lang and even Pharrell Williams.
The celebration of Karl Lagerfeld’s life at the Grand Palais was attended by 2,500 individuals. To mark the occasion, 56 giant portraits of Lagerfeld taken throughout his life were exhibited at the venue too. The portraits, reproduced in Lagerfeld’s favourite hues of black and white with a hint of red, added a somber note to the event.