The Legacy of Karl Lagerfeld: The Eternal Art

The Legacy of Karl Lagerfeld: The Eternal Art 

of a Genius, Sold at Auction 

Karl Lagerfeld was not just a fashion designer -he was an architect of modern fashion, a creator of images, a visionary who transformed the industry and forever changed the meaning of style. His influence extends far beyond runways, and his name has become synonymous with luxury, intellectual provocation, and impeccable taste. Even after his passing, his legacy continues to captivate, inspire, and, of course, sell for astonishing prices. 

(And let's be honest-if Lagerfeld were still around, he'd probably roll his eyes at all this nostalgia and say, "I hate memories. They are just what we think we remember.") 

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Parisian Fashion Temple: 

KARL, Karl Lagerfeld's Estate V, Le Studio 

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From January 24 to 31, 2025, Paris became the epicenter of nostalgia for the legendary designer. Within the halls of Sotheby's, the fifth and final part of a grand series of auctions dedicated to Lagerfeld's personal collection took place. This was not just an auction-it was a museum exhibition, allowing visitors to see the world through Lagerfeld's eyes, immerse themselves in his aesthetics, and even take a piece of it home. The exhibition-auction embodied the very essence of the designer. Attendees could marvel at original sketches, swiftly and precisely drawn by his expert hand, unique items from his studio, his iconic black Dior Homme suits, a personal collection of over 600 iPods, and even custom-made furniture that reflected his sharp, modernist vision. The auction format added to the thrill: each 

item had a starting price, and bidders could place their offers. At the end of the exhibition, the highest bidder won. This transformed spectators into participants, making them feel like they were claiming a piece of fashion history. 

(Although, one can imagine Karl's reaction to all this fuss: "Buying my iPods? Darling, get your own playlists!") 

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Past Auctions: Record- Breaking Prices, Surprises & Scandals 

But this exhibition was merely the final chapter in a series of high-profile sales that began in 2021. 

In December 2021, Sotheby's hosted auctions in Monaco and Paris, offering over 1,000 items from Lagerfeld's estate. Some pieces sold for sums far beyond expectations: 

- Fingerless gloves, an inseparable part of Lagerfeld's image, sold for €20,000, 

surpassing the initial estimate of €5,000.

- Dior Homme suits, worn by the designer at countless events, fetched €10,000- €15,000 each. 

- His iPod collection-yes, the man had a library of iPods-was snapped up for €50,000. 

- A custom-designed desk by Hedi Slimane was sold for €40,000+. 

One of the biggest surprises was the sale of Lagerfeld's Parisian apartment on Quai Voltaire. In March 2024, the luxury apartment was auctioned for €10 million, after starting at €5.3 million. The buyer remains anonymous, but reports say the purchase was made by a mystery woman represented by a lawyer. 

(If walls could talk, those would have tales of Coco Chanel, Choupette the cat, and possibly some brutally honest critiques of modern fashion.) 

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Who Bought Karl's Relics? 

The auctions weren't just for private collectors -celebrities also competed for a piece of the fashion emperor's world: 

British singer Lily Allen purchased one of Lagerfeld's suits. 

François Pinault, billionaire and owner of the Kering Group (which oversees Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga), 

participated in the bidding for art pieces from Lagerfeld's collection. 

Several museums and fashion houses discreetly acquired key pieces, ensuring that Lagerfeld's legacy would remain on display for future generations. (Imagine explaining to your guests, "Oh yes, this suit belonged to Karl." No pressure!) 

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Lagerfeld as an Eternal Icon 

So why are these auctions so significant? This isn't just about selling possessions-it's about honoring an icon. It's about keeping alive a legacy of impeccable taste, about bringing his vision into new homes and collections. Karl Lagerfeld didn't just design clothes. He shaped entire eras, erased the boundaries between fashion and art, and proved that style is a language spoken by the chosen few. Even today, as his belongings find new owners, his spirit remains unshaken. The black sunglasses, the stiff collar, the perfectly tailored suit, the ever-present gloves --it's not just an image. It's Lagerfeld's code, a legacy that, it seems, will never fade. 

Vive le Karl!

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https://medium.com/@masha_hauteart/choupette-the-cat-who-outlived-lagerfeld-and-became-a-legend-b31628b4d4b0

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