«Fashion does not belong in a museum.» – Karl Lagerfeld
Probably one of the only quotes of Karl Lagerfeld (1933–2019), I don’t agree with and obviously the Costume Institute neither. Its spring 2023 exhibition «Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty» will examine the work of the late designer. Focusing on his stylistic vocabulary as expressed in aesthetic themes that appear time and again in his fashions from the 1950s to his final collection in 2019, the show will spotlight the German-born designer’s unique working methodology. Most of the approximately 150 pieces on display will be accompanied by Lagerfeld’s sketches, which underscore his complex creative process and the collaborative relationships with his premières, or head seamstresses. Lagerfeld’s fluid lines united his designs for Balmain, Patou, Chloé, Fendi, CHANEL, and his eponymous label, Karl Lagerfeld, creating a diverse and prolific body of work unparalleled in the history of fashion.
I had the honor to meet and work with Karl on several occasions, as a young fashion editor, later on as editor-in-chief and also as a customer of his work, may it be fashion or art. If you interested in some anecdotes, I invite you to read this obituary.
Mannequins specially made for the exhibition, Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty, reflect the renowned fashion designer’s aesthetic tastes.
Exhibition Dates: May 5–July 16, 2023
Exhibition Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, The Tisch Galleries, Gallery 899, Floor 2
The Met Fifth Avenue, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028, Phone: 212-535-7710
Special Access
Evening Hours: Every Sunday until 9 pm. (The rest of the Museum is not open during these hours.)
Met Member Morning Hours: 9–10 am every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday starting May 6.
The exhibition has a virtual queue which you can join via QR code only once inside the Museum. No advance or timed tickets required. Access is first come, first served and subject to capacity limitations.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Lagerfeld, Costume Institute, #ALineOfBeauty
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