La La Lagerfeld

Ooh la la! Here at AskBronny, we know that many a fine fashion is born in Paris. France is the country of romance, and haute couture, and for girls who so love their clothes, the two regularly go hand in hand. So when something as fabulously French as the French Film Festival rolls around, we know many AskBronny kind of gals will be donning their best to strut to the local cinema and soak up a little bit of international fun.

Playing as part of the French Film Festival currently making its way around Australia is Lagerfeld Confidential, a behind the scenes look at one of fashion’s most enigmatic and influential men. Constantly shrouded in black, famous for his snow white ponytail, rarely seen without his iconic sunglasses and always wearing enough silver on his fists to do some serious damage with just a handshake, Lagerfeld was responsible for reinventing the House of Chanel at a time when many said it was not possible. Ignoring advice warning him against taking on the job, fast forward a quarter of a century and Lagerfeld’s talents, and Chanel’s reinvigorated brand value, are indisputable.

Taking on the role of photographer as well as designer, watching Lagerfeld work throughout this film is indeed a magical thing. Providing glimpses of his interactions with staff, models and celebrities, viewers of Lagerfeld Confidential are also treated to sweeping shots of his home, which is always breathtaking and cause for amazement. Lagerfeld’s candid discussions about his upbringing, his view of himself and the world in which he works are both inspirational and unusual.

This film is sometimes difficult to watch due to the rudimentary style in which it’s filmed, and at times it’s equally difficult to understand why Lagerfeld allowed the interviewer to follow him around and ask the types of questions he did. However through the interviewer’s ill rehearsed, bumbling questions and hesitation at broaching areas like the creative genius’ sexual orientation, Karl only becomes more endearing through his ability to respond directly and with humour. This film not so much sheds light on the head of Chanel, but provides an insight into the mind of a designing guru, and I think it would be difficult for most not to like the man as a result. Compiled from over 200 hours of footage, collected over more than two years, the final 87 minutes leave you wanting more, wanting to learn more about this fascinating man, his work and wishing he would attend your next dinner party.

Lagerfeld Confidential is essential and compelling viewing for all AskBronny fans with a keen interest in fashion, the world of Chanel, and a designing genius who continues to go from strength to strength. If you want to be inspired and reaffirm that it’s okay to go your own way, be unafraid to express your own opinion, and be successful by doing so, Lagerfeld Confidential is a must see of the French Film Festival.