The Untold Story of Karl Lagerfeld's Rise to Fashion Dominance

The new series "Becoming Karl Lagerfeld" delves into the complex personal and professional life of the legendary fashion designer, offering a captivating glimpse into the rivalries, relationships, and creative journey that shaped his iconic career. From his fierce competition with Yves Saint Laurent to his tumultuous partnership with Pierre Bergé, the series paints a nuanced portrait of Lagerfeld's ascent to the pinnacle of the fashion industry.

Unraveling the Threads of Fashion's Greatest Rivalry

Lagerfeld vs. Saint Laurent: A Battle of Titans

The series explores the intense rivalry between Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent, two of the most influential designers of the 20th century. While Saint Laurent is portrayed as one of the leading designers in the world, the series suggests that his business partner, Pierre Bergé, has played a pivotal role in both supporting and undermining the emotionally fragile Saint Laurent. Bergé is depicted as a cunning manipulator, seizing every opportunity to drive a wedge between the two old friends and harm Lagerfeld's career.

The Complicated Relationship Between Lagerfeld and Bergé

The series delves into the complex dynamic between Lagerfeld and Bergé, highlighting the latter's dual role as both a supporter and antagonist to Saint Laurent. Bergé is shown as a powerful figure who has not only held the emotionally unstable Saint Laurent together but has also actively worked to undermine Lagerfeld's success. This intricate relationship adds an extra layer of drama and tension to the narrative, as the audience is left to wonder about the true motivations and loyalties of the key players.

The Emotional Turmoil of Yves Saint Laurent

The series also explores the personal life of Yves Saint Laurent, particularly his growing infatuation with the charismatic and volatile figure of Jacques de Bascher. As Saint Laurent's mental state becomes increasingly unstable, his relationship with de Bascher adds an element of romantic and emotional complexity to the narrative, further complicating the already tense dynamics between the key characters.

Lagerfeld's Stoic Determination

In contrast to the emotional turmoil surrounding Saint Laurent, the series portrays Lagerfeld as a figure who maintains a stoic and focused demeanor, rarely showing any outward emotion. However, the series does hint at moments where Lagerfeld's emotional control slips, such as when he snaps at his mother or suggests that he may have used food as an emotional coping mechanism.

The Search for Lagerfeld's Unique Style

The series also explores the question of Lagerfeld's own creative identity and the search for his unique style. While he is depicted as an excellent designer with an eye for detail and quality, the series suggests that during the 1970s, Lagerfeld was still in the process of finding his own distinct vision, one that could elevate him to the same level of acclaim as Saint Laurent. This narrative thread highlights the challenges and uncertainties that Lagerfeld faced as he sought to establish his own creative voice and carve out his place in the fashion industry.

The Decade of Transition and Self-Discovery

The 1970s, as portrayed in the series, were a pivotal period for Lagerfeld, a time when he had to navigate the complexities of his career and personal life. The series suggests that Lagerfeld was faced with a choice: to be content with his status as a well-compensated and creative designer working for others, or to strive for the level of vision and recognition achieved by his rival, Saint Laurent. This period of transition and self-discovery is central to the narrative, as the series aims to explore the factors that ultimately shaped Lagerfeld's rise to fashion dominance.

The Challenges of Pacing and Repetition

While the series presents a rich and multifaceted exploration of Lagerfeld's journey, it is not without its challenges. The series is noted to take a few episodes to find its footing, and at times, it can feel repetitive as the characters seem to settle into their established roles and positions. This pacing and repetition issue may be a point of contention for some viewers, who may desire a more dynamic and fast-paced narrative.