“Becoming Karl Lagerfeld” delves into the transformative year of 1972, where at 38, Lagerfeld, a budding ready-to-wear designer, embarks on a journey towards fame. In a battle of the creatives, he faces off against the renowned Yves Saint Laurent, supported by Pierre Bergé.
Interesting plot? Well, now that the mini-series is out, we’re sure many of you are wondering whether it’s worth a watch. Let’s find out!
Lagerfeld vs. Saint Laurent
The show, set in the 1970s and reminiscent of Alicia Drake’s “The Beautiful Fall,” focuses on the rivalry between Lagerfeld and Saint Laurent as they rise to prominence before Lagerfeld’s famous time at Chanel in 1983. Lagerfeld’s captivating presence and charm are highlighted in the series, which showcases his command of self-image against a wealthy environment.
We also see that in the middle of a romantic triangle involving Yves and Jacques, Lagerfeld maintains his dignity despite experiencing heartbreak. “Becoming Karl Lagerfeld” offers a flattering portrayal of Lagerfeld’s early years, focusing on his rise rather than his later controversial remarks. In this depiction, he never crosses boundaries, instead making playful comments hinting at his future problematic views.
To give a balanced portrait of the young designer on the verge of fashion glory, this portrayal avoids the more controversial parts of Lagerfeld’s later life and instead highlights his charming humor and charisma.
“Becoming Karl Lagerfeld” stands out more for its portrait of Jacques de Bascher, who becomes the sad victim of Lagerfeld’s aspirations than for its representation of Lagerfeld. De Bascher is shown in a sympathetic light despite his reputation for infidelity.
Lagerfeld, on the other hand, is portrayed by Daniel Brühl as being more quiet and emotionally detached, suggesting that he is too preoccupied with his work at Chloé to devote much of his time to personal relationships.
The show prominently avoids discussing de Bascher’s death from AIDS and other delicate subjects, putting Lagerfeld’s career narrative ahead of the details of his personal life. While binge eating and Lagerfeld’s problems with body image come up occasionally, they are only briefly discussed. Similar to Adele, Lagerfeld’s controversial comments on women’s bodies are mentioned but not expanded upon.
Becoming Karl Lagerfeld: A Visual Feast
“Becoming Karl Lagerfeld” chooses to focus on its visually striking story rather than going in-depth with its protagonist’s flaws. Paloma Picasso’s wedding is one of the colorful recreations of historical gay Parisian nightlife that directors Jérôme Salle and Audrey Estrougo provide an immersive look into.
Its clear-cut style concentrates on the work at hand, paying homage to Lagerfeld. It embodies, all in all, Lagerfeld’s spirit—moving forward without unduly focusing on the past. “Becoming Karl Lagerfeld” creates a tribute that connects with Lagerfeld’s dynamic personality.
“Becoming Karl Lagerfeld” is a convenient way to learn about the world of high fashion and creative competition. Without a lot of understanding of the industry, audiences can still enjoy gorgeous clothes and insightful conversations shown in the series.
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Conclusion
“Becoming Karl Lagerfeld” offers an engaging and accessible introduction to the high-stakes world of fashion and designer rivalries. Through vivid recreations of 1970s Paris and the intense competition between Lagerfeld and Saint Laurent, the series captivates viewers with its stunning visuals and sharp dialogue. While it avoids delving deeply into Lagerfeld’s controversial aspects, it provides a balanced portrayal of his early career and relationships.
The sympathetic depiction of Jacques de Bascher adds emotional depth, contrasting with Lagerfeld’s driven, emotionally distant persona. Overall, “Becoming Karl Lagerfeld” succeeds as a visually compelling tribute, highlighting the charm, wit, and ambition that defined Lagerfeld’s rise in the fashion world. If you love fashion or if you want to get into the world of fashion, this series is for you!