Celebrity performers lead the Karl For Ever finale
Cover Celebrity performers lead the Karl For Ever finale
In memorial of the fashion visionary’s vast influences, a rousing ceremony was staged by the houses of Chanel, Fendi and Karl Lagerfeld.

On June 20, the monumental Grand Palais in Paris set the scene for a breathtaking ceremony dedicated to the one and only Karl Lagerfeld. Massive screens, enlarged portraits and grand pianos provided a visual backdrop to the Karl For Ever tribute of the fashion virtuoso, in a collaborative effort by the houses of Chanel, Fendi and Karl Lagerfeld.

Tatler Asia
The stage is set for Karl For Ever
Above The stage is set for Karl For Ever

On the star-studded guest list were Karl’s close friends, such as Tilda Swinton, Cara Delevingne and Helen Mirren, who delivered emotional recitals and readings of his beloved literature by authors like Virginia Woolf, Colette and Stéphane Mallarmé. Between these contributions, the ceremony was interspersed with testimonials by his nearest and dearest, and videos capturing him at various moments in his life.

See also: In Memory Of Karl Lagerfeld: 10 Milestones Of His Fashion Legacy

arrow left arrow left
arrow right arrow right
Photo 1 of 6 Virginie Viard (swipe right for images and highlights)
Photo 2 of 6 Anna Wintour and Bruno Pavlovsky
Photo 3 of 6 Claudia Schiffer and Bruno Pavlvosky
Photo 4 of 6 Virginie Ledoyen and Eric Pfrunde
Photo 5 of 6 Tilda Swinton delivers a recital
Photo 6 of 6 Inès de la Fressange

Being the multi-talented art aficionado, Karl’s love for photography was pronounced in a grand exhibition of 56 giant portraits taken at various times in his life, in a setup by opera director Robert Carsen. His love for black and white, with a touch of red, were also prominent throughout the venue.

Karl also possessed a great love for music and dance, commemorated by a rousing routine by close friend and singer Pharrell Williams. Paying tribute to Karl’s favourite love of tango, Argentinian choreographer German Cornejo and a troupe of 17 tango dancers and 7-piece orchestra enthralled the audience, while pianist Lang Lang and violinist Charlie Siem offered up melodies to the fashion icon.

Tatler Asia
Performance by Pharrell Williams
Above Performance by Pharrell Williams
Tatler Asia
Celebrity performers lead the Karl For Ever finale
Above Celebrity performers lead the Karl For Ever finale

A coming together of Karl’s biggest fans and industry bigwigs, Karl For Ever was a touching occasion set forth by his legacy. As a creator, visionary and artistic icon, Karl’s memory is alive and kicking.  

 

Topics