Pillow Talk

The Truth about Karl Lagerfeld. His Long-Hidden Design Secret!

Oh, my darling fashion enthusiasts, prepare yourselves for an absolute sartorial delight! The Karl Lagerfeld exhibit at the Met Museum!


Karl Lagerfeld inspo sketch ruffled gown
Karl Lagerfeld inspired ruffled gown sketch.

Unveiling the Icon: Karl Lagerfeld Exhibit at the MET

The Karl Lagerfeld MET exhibit, after much anticipation, bursts forth in all its glory amidst the splendor of the Met Gala fundraiser, a raucous explosion of audacious and extravagant fashion, with celebrities donning a kaleidoscope of sartorial marvels that pushed the boundaries of opulence.

It stands as a grand tribute to the untamed genius of the fashion world, an iconic titan whose name reverberates through the halls of style.

Karl Lagerfeld Met Gala
Celeb posing at the Met Gala, illustration.

And for those who worship at the altar of fashion illustration, brace yourselves for an exceptional odyssey into the realm of lines and brushstrokes, where the very essence of architectural magnificence unfolds before your very eyes. This is a rendezvous with greatness, my darlings, where Lagerfeld’s legacy reigns supreme.

Karl Lagerfeld & Will Hogarth: Curves versus Angles

In this extraordinary endeavor, the MET, that grand institution of artistic marvels, has cunningly seized upon Lagerfeld’s own fascination with the eminent William Hogarth (1697–1764), a revered artist, a masterful printmaker, and a profound theorist.

Curves versus angles: the lines of beauty

Let me introduce you to the brilliant Hogarth and his thoughts on what he called the “lines of beauty” and “lines of grace.” which, like nature’s delicate tendrils, embrace us with their sublime allure.

Hogarth gifted the world with his profound treatise, “The Analysis of Beauty,” in the year of 1753. It is within these pages that we find the very genesis of line aesthetics, particularly the divine “S” curve, affectionately known as the serpentine curve. How it dances and weaves, captivating our senses with its sinuous grace!

beautiful white haired girl in a Karl Lagerfeld inspired black & white ruffled gown
Karl Lagerfeld inspo – black & white ruffled gown illustration.

Hold onto your fabulous fashion hats, my stylish readers, because Hogarth had a stroke of brilliance! Among his marvelous waving lines, he crowned line number 4 as the pinnacle of beauty—the “line of beauty” itself!

And remember, dear hearts, that within line number 4, you shall find the pinnacle of beauty, a line that transcends mere aesthetics to become an emblem of sublime perfection which mezmerized the gret Karl Lagerfeld himself.

As you venture into the subterranean halls of the MET costume exhibit, be prepared to witness the convergence of genius and beauty. Behold the resplendent homage to the visionary designer, Karl Lagerfeld, and immerse yourselves in the study of the architectural principles that underpin this awe-inspiring collection. Allow the serpentine curves to guide your eyes, to whisper their secrets of grace and allure.

Fashion Redux – Praxiteles & Karl Lagerfeld

Let’s journey further back to the captivating era of the 4th century BC and meet the illustrious Greek sculptor Praxiteles. With divine talent, he gave birth to the iconic contrapposto pose, the genesis of the “S” shape.

Aphrodite illustration
In the style of Praxiteles – Aphrodite illustration

Today, my fashion-forward friends, the contrapposto pose has transcended the realm of ancient artistry to claim its rightful place in the domain of fashion illustration.

The Contrapposto Pose Spans the Centuries!

Oh, how it has flourished! With its languid grace and effortless allure, this pose has become a darling of the fashion world, adorning magazine spreads, runway showcases, and countless artistic renderings.

It is a testament to the enduring power of the S-shaped concept, a timeless embodiment of elegance that continues to mesmerize us to this very day.

Paris, Unhooked Magazine

Chic, Quirky, and Karl Lagerfeld-licious

So, as you wander the Karl Lagerfeld MET exhibit, let the echoes of Praxiteles’ contrapposto pose resonate in your souls, bridging ancient artistry with contemporary fashion, creating a tapestry of beauty spanning centuries. Embrace the allure of the S-shaped concept, bewitching artists and fashionistas alike, leaving an indelible mark on creative expression.

sketch of white gown with frills

As we wander through the resplendent halls of the MET show, let us take a moment to appreciate the impeccable curation that has graced this exhibition.

The astute minds behind it have flawlessly arranged Lagerfeld’s designs into captivating groupings, each one showcasing the Serpentine concept in all its glory. Flowing lines intertwine with delicate drapes, and soft textures envelop the garments, imbuing the exhibit with a sense of ethereal fluidity and graceful movement.

Interplay of the Romantic Serpentine and the Modern Straight Line

But, my dear fashion enthusiasts, let us not forget that within the realm of design, contrast is a captivating muse. And so, we shall now pivot our attention to the Modern Straight Line, a style that emerged triumphantly in the early 20th century, heralding the dawn of modernism.

This revolutionary concept, characterized by its clean lines, simplicity, and unwavering precision, sent shockwaves through the world of design. Coco Chanel and Paul Poiret, those trailblazers of fashion, were among the early adopters of this audacious approach, forever changing the course of sartorial history.

Karl Lagerfeld 3D illustration
Karl Lagerfeld 3D Illustration

Within the MET show, the curators have orchestrated a masterful showcase of these sharp silhouettes, geometric patterns, and minimalist aesthetics. The sleek designs of Lagerfeld stand in stark contrast against the backdrop of rectangular shadow boxes, creating a visual symphony that enraptures every visitor.

Oh, how the precision of the straight line harmonizes with the calculated grace of the Serpentine! It is a spectacle that captures the very essence of artistic juxtaposition, mesmerizing us with its captivating allure.

fashion sketch of black and white gown
Karl Lagerfeld inspired illustration.
Karl Lagerfeld Chanel inspo illustration
Chanel illustration inspo: Modern Straight Lines

So, my darlings, as you venture further into the Karl Lagerfeld MET exhibit, allow yourselves to be swept away by the enchanting interplay of the Romantic Serpentine and the Modern Straight Line. Immerse yourselves in the tactile beauty of Lagerfeld’s designs, as they embrace the contours of the body and evoke a sense of fluidity. Delight in the contrast of clean lines and geometric precision, juxtaposed against the playfulness of flowing curves. And in this wondrous dance of aesthetics, may you find inspiration and a renewed appreciation for the boundless creativity that fashion bestows upon our world.

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