Karl Lagerfeld led a life that seems almost too glamorous to be true. As one of fashion’s most prolific and respected designers, he rose to helm two iconic houses, Fendi and Chanel, while also launching his own eponymous label. Yet for many years, little was known about the man behind the dark glasses and ponytail.
All this has now changed with the Disney+ series Becoming Karl Lagerfeld. Based on a biography released after the designer’s death, the show delves into Lagerfeld’s beginnings in the vibrant but vicious world of 1970s Parisian couture. It’s here that we meet the ambitious freelancer who was desperate to make his mark, forging fierce rivalries and romantic entanglements along the way. At the center of it all stands Daniel Brühl’s mesmerizing portrayal of the enigmatic young Karl.
Though only touching on Lagerfeld’s early chapters, Becoming Karl Lagerfeld presents a nuanced look at the man through tremendous performances. Brühl perfectly captures Lagerfeld’s icy exterior that hid deep insecurities, while Theodore Pellerin is heartbreaking as Lagerfeld’s tragic muse. The series provides key insights into what drove fashion’s Kaiser, presenting a balanced and engaging drama that does justice to both the glamour and complexity of its subject.
Fashion Rivalries in 1970s Paris
The new miniseries Becoming Karl Lagerfeld takes us back to Paris in the exciting yet cutthroat world of 1970s fashion. We follow Karl in the earliest days of his career, when he was a freelance designer struggling to make a name for himself. Alongside him in navigating this glamorous but guarded industry was his contemporary and one-time friend, Yves Saint Laurent, who had already achieved great success early on.
The story explores Karl and Yves’ blooming but tense rivalry as they both sought to rise to the top and define the era through their designs. Their competition was only intensified by the affection they both came to develop for the same man, Jacques de Bascher. As Karl pursued his romance with Jacques despite numerous obstacles, it put further strain on his relationship with Yves. Through it all, we see Karl driven by an unwavering ambition to achieve global recognition and cement his legacy.
Meanwhile, the series also offers us intriguing glimpses into the notoriously elitist society of French haute couture during this period. Established power players like Chanel zealously guarded their supremacy, while innovative newcomers like Thierry Mugler disrupted traditions.
We learn how Karl had to delicately maneuver these dynamics and politics to boost his standing. By focusing on his interpersonal drama as much as his burgeoning career, the show vividly brings this storied world and time to life. Over six absorbing episodes, it traces Karl’s compelling emergence from an aspiring talent into an icon.
Karl Lagerfeld Brought to Life
Daniel Brühl lends an extraordinary depth to the enigmatic Karl Lagerfeld. From the very first scene, Brühl immerses viewers in Lagerfeld’s world, where ambition and anxiety intertwine. His Lagerfeld stalks fashion show catwalks with bravado, evaluating each new design with a connoisseur’s eye—yet beneath the self-assured façade simmer insecurity and hunger for acceptance. Brühl adeptly conveys it all through subtle expressions and guarded gestures.
When professional frustrations boil over, Brühl vulnerably portrays the private toll. After a career setback, we find Lagerfeld wrapping himself in silk and devouring cake in lonely anguish. It’s a moment of piercing intimacy as Brühl strips bare the man’s defenses. Throughout, Brühl balances Lagerfeld’s mercurial moods with nuance and care, ensuring viewers understand what drives his compulsive drive for success.
Equally exquisite is Théodore Pellerin as Jacques de Bascher. Pellerin imbues Jacques with a charming playfulness, making one easily see his allure. Yet Pellerin also hints at Jacques’ deeper unhappiness. As Jacques drifts amid casual flings, searching for meaning, Pellerin taps into an underlying melancholy with sensitivity.
Brühl and Pellerin share tremendous on-screen chemistry, electrifying even their characters’ sparring moments. Their longing glances and bittersweet exchanges resonate with repressed emotion. Viewers become wrapped in their characters’ tragic romance, torn between care and pity. It’s a testament to these actors’ abilities that, through their nuanced work, a series about historical figures feels profoundly human.
Becoming Karl Lagerfeld Transports Viewers to 1970s Paris
Stepping into the world of Becoming Karl Lagerfeld feels a bit like hopping in a time machine. Directors Jérôme Salle and Audrey Estrougo are meticulous in recreating the atmosphere and aesthetic of 1970s Paris. From the moment we’re introduced to the fashionable social scene at Club 7, it’s clear no detail has been overlooked.
Costume designer Pascaline Chavanne goes above and beyond to place us right in the era. The patterns, cuts, and fabrics capture the trends with flair and accuracy. Meanwhile, production designer Aline Bonetto brings locales like fashion houses and nightclubs to life. Authentic signage, furnishings, and architecture set the stage. Even mundane backdrops feel imbued with period authenticity thanks to their effort.
The directors use these visuals to draw us deeper into the world. Tracking shots follow characters seamlessly between soirees and meetings, keeping the energy flowing. Close-ups give space to admire quintessential looks. Wider shots provide context, whether for glamorous events or intimate apartments. We observe the characters in their element, getting to know them and their surroundings together.
Subtle directorial choices also influence our perspective. Point-of-view shots see events through new eyes. Scene transitions mark the passage of time concisely. Flashbacks offer more context without disrupting the flow.
These techniques keep us engaged in the stories and styles on display. Most impressively, Becoming Karl Lagerfeld transports us back in time without feeling like a textbook history lesson. Instead, we’re immersed in the world as it once was through the lens of people and fashion. Authentic yet entertaining, it’s a tour of 1970s Paris you won’t want to end.
A Subtly Shaded Portrait
While an iconic figure like Karl Lagerfeld would make for a sensational biopic, Becoming Karl Lagerfeld takes a more nuanced approach. It hints at the inner complexities of the elusive designer without resorting to dramatization. Though based on real events, the miniseries avoids strict factual reporting in favor of a balanced perspective.
We see Lagerfeld’s ambition and skill winning him success in the male-dominated field of 1970s fashion. But we also see loneliness beneath the glamour as he struggles to form deep connections. His relationship with Jacques de Bascher, in particular, receives an unflinching look. Rather than taking sides, the show depicts both men as flawed yet sympathetic. It acknowledges the messiness of human intimacy with compassion.
Daniel Brühl’s sensitive performance humanizes Lagerfeld without dismissing his sharper edges. We understand the insecurities and defensive walls behind his aloof persona. Even moments that could stir judgment, like his treatment of rivals, become more forgivable in their proper context. The series traces how his guarded nature evolved from self-protection in an unforgiving industry.
While giving viewers stunning fashion aesthetics to admire, Becoming Karl Lagerfeld resists hagiography. It presents a nuanced study of its namesake as a whole person, not just an icon. Through balanced empathy, the miniseries draws us closer to the real human truth behind even the largest-than-life public figures. It offers insight where outright claims may have oversimplified or distorted reality.
On Fashion and Relationships
Becoming Karl Lagerfeld tells a captivating story about one of the fashion world’s most legendary figures. Daniel Brühl delivers a nuanced and compelling portrayal of Karl Lagerfeld, bringing to life both his professional ambition and inner complexity.
Théodore Pellerin is equally excellent as Jacques de Bascher, the man who comes to share a turbulent bond with Lagerfeld. Their acting anchored the entire show, granting insight into the inner lives and dynamics of real people beneath the public personas.
The series does an admirable job of humanizing Lagerfeld while still showcasing his dedication to his craft. It presents a rounded picture of a man often seen as aloof or controversial. Beyond fashion itself, the most resonant elements involve the flawed relationships between Lagerfeld, Saint Laurent, and others in their orbit.
All had their demons, yet they shared a passion that seemed to both inspire and consume them. While not denying their faults, the show honors that creative fire as the source of their enduring mark on culture.
For those interested in fashion history or creative biopics, Becoming Karl Lagerfeld entertains while enlightening. It’s an accessible drama that feels authentic in recreating its time period. Both fashion aficionados and more casual viewers can find much to appreciate in its exploration of ambition, rivalry, love, and self-discovery playing out amid high society and couture.
Overall, it does justice to its subjects’ real-life story through strong performances and thoughtful direction that balance clear-eyed insight with artistry. Both Lagerfeld’s iconic career and the show are worthy of admiration long after the final scenes.
The Review
Becoming Karl Lagerfeld
Becoming Karl Lagerfeld succeeds in offering an engaging portrait of its enigmatic subject as well as the creative forces that surrounded him. With grounded performances and lavish yet clear-eyed storytelling, it does right by Lagerfeld's memorably complex legacy. Both for fashion enthusiasts and those simply after a well-made biopic drama, this series satisfies on multiple creative levels. The show is a gripping re-imagining of Lagerfeld's early years that entertains while providing food for thought. It avoids hagiography to craft a rounded characterization of its namesake and the fellow talents of his time. A strong sense of historical authenticity and talented casts also lift the quality. While not perfect, Becoming Karl Lagerfeld is nonetheless a memorable TV experience worthy of high praise.
PROS
- Compelling performances from Daniel Brühl and Théodore Pellerin
- Authentic recreation of the 1970s fashion world and culture
- Thoughtful exploration of its subjects' personal lives and relationships
- Balances entertainment with insightful historical and biographical details
CONS
- Occasionally gets bogged down in drama without furthering character insights.
- Fails to provide a deeper analysis of Lagerfeld and Saint Laurent's fashion aesthetics.
- Neglects some controversial aspects of Lagerfeld's personal views
