Karl Review
Based on Lagerfeld’s biography, director Nick Hooker gets access to the designer’s inner circle, but ultimately fails to find the man behind the high collar and sunglasses
TL;DR
- Karl Lagerfeld was a prolific fashion designer who ran Chanel, Fendi, and his own label into his 80s.
- The documentary is based on William Middleton's biography and features archive footage and interviews with Lagerfeld's inner circle.
- Despite attempts to delve into his personal life, the film largely fails to penetrate Lagerfeld's carefully constructed public persona.
- Key aspects of his life covered include his German upbringing, move to Paris, career highs, the loss of his partner Jacques de Bascher, and his collaboration with H&M.
- Interviews with collaborators like Amanda Harlech and staff members offer some insight into his personality, with some describing him as a father figure and others noting his aversion to intimacy.