Overview

A compelling look at the aesthetic and historical significance of Lagerfeld’s work—from his elegantly tailored pieces for Chanel to the witty, playful ensembles that came to define the Lagerfeld brand This publication is the first to present an insightful overview of Karl Lagerfeld’s (1933–2019) artistry across his extraordinary 65-year career as a fashion designer and creative visionary—from early work for Balmain and Patou in the 1950s and designs for Chloé and Fendi in the 1960s and 1970s, to his celebrated leadership in the 1980s and beyond at Chanel and with his own label. Inspired by the “line of beauty” theorized by the sixteenth-century English painter William Hogarth, this dazzling publication pursues four “lines”—straight, serpentine, satirical, and explosive—as a means of defining Lagerfeld’s unique creative process. An introductory text uses these concepts to explore such topics as the masculine-perceived art of tailoring, the traditionally feminine art of dressmaking, Lagerfeld’s use of irony and parody, and the way these three modes converge in surprising, disruptive, and innovative ways. Thematic chapters illustrating the dualities in Lagerfeld’s work, an illustrated timeline of his career, and reminiscences from the designer’s friends and colleagues accompany new photography of 155 garments, as well as Lagerfeld’s illustrations, material samples, personal photographs, and drawings, many never before published. Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press   Exhibition Schedule: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (May 5–July 16, 2023)

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9781588397584

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Reviews

“[Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty] sheds light on the work of a designer of genius who marked the history of fashion . . . forever.” -- Chanel “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty invites the public into Karl’s world and reveals the dualities within his work.” -- Fendi “This catalogue is a guide to the man and his work, a guide that Karl—even Karl—would have loved.” -- Anna Wintour “The intersection of a serpentine line with a straight line . . . cross, overlap, and crush against each other, creating tension and expansion . . . offering a glimpse into the introspective world of Karl Lagerfeld.” -- Tadao Ando “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty can be seen as a kind of dream work as well as a piece of art and scholarship.” * Vogue * “This handsomely designed book with lovely photography that showcases Lagerfeld’s talents is recommended for fashion aficionados and fans of his designs.” * Library Journal *

Author Information

Andrew Bolton is the Wendy Yu Curator in Charge of the Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

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