Unseen Karl Lagerfeld Sketches Up for Grabs

Sotheby's Paris is presenting a significant auction event featuring over 1,000 previously unseen drawings from the personal collection of Karl Lagerfeld. This sixth sale dedicated to the estate of the late designer commenced online from July 2 to July 8, with an accompanying exhibition concluding on July 7. The collection offers a rare insight into Lagerfeld's creative journey, including personal sketches, working documents, and distinctive items such as metallic leather fingerless gloves. All offered lots begin with a bid of 1 euro, presenting an accessible entry point for collectors.

The drawings span from the 1970s and were kept privately by Lagerfeld, distinguishing them from designs shared with the fashion houses he worked for, including Chanel and Fendi. Pierre Mothes of Sotheby's France highlighted the artistic, historical, and collectible value of these "last ones" from the prolific designer. Previous sales of Lagerfeld's sketches have achieved remarkable prices, indicating sustained high interest in his legacy more than seven years after his passing.

Beyond the sketches, the auction includes eclectic items reflecting Lagerfeld's diverse interests, such as antique Swedish garden benches and approximately 200 iPods. These iPods were used to store curated music soundtracks for his fashion shows. Sotheby's noted that Lagerfeld's practice involved meticulous cataloguing and accumulation, mirroring his creative output and insatiable curiosity.