"Becoming Karl Lagerfeld," a miniseries released on Disney+ and Hulu on June 7, explores the personal and professional life of the iconic fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, focusing on his rise to prominence in the 1970s Paris fashion scene. 2,200 extras were involved in the shooting and, 3,000 costumes were used, with meticulous attention to detail in the wardrobe and makeup.
The series delves into Lagerfeld's intense love story and 18-year relationship with the young gigolo Jacques de Bascher, as well as his rivalry with Yves Saint Laurent and his journey to becoming the creative director for Chloé.
It also includes appearances by personalities like Marlene Dietrich, Paloma Picasso, and Andy Warhol, and touches on Lagerfeld's revival of Chanel.
Set in 1972, it portrays Lagerfeld as a 38-year-old unknown ready-to-wear designer, with the aim of capturing the historical context of haute couture and 1970s Paris, Monaco, and Rome. Lagerfeld's creativity, vulnerability, and lasting impact on the fashion industry are explored, delving into gender and power dynamics. [cnn.com, busybodytribune.com]
Daniel Brühl as Lagerfeld delivers an emotional performance while portraying the designer as a carefully curated construct with a penchant for control and cruelty.
The series received a positive response at the Cannes International Film Festival.
Sources: NPR, The Guardian, The New York Times, El País, El Economista, Süddeutsche Zeitung, Río Negro, Republic World, CNN, Busy Body Tribune
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.
