Backstage at Fendi: Sketches by Karl Lagerfeld

While popping backstage at Fendi, we found Karl Lagerfeld seated before a phone-book sized sketch pad and a hundred coloured pencils and pastels. One never really understands what goes on in a Fendi show unless one gets up close and personal with the clothes, so luckily we had the designer himself to draw the floral darnings (below) and the inverted lantern sleeve constructions that littered the dress-heavy collection.
'I like long for day' said Lagerfeld, adding that he thinks 'red carpet dressing is over.' It was an optimistic, easy-to-wear collection featuring lovely pastels, including Lagerfeld's favourite pale blue which he has dubbed 'Gitane Light', and plenty of surprises like the multicolored tube skirt that looked like confetti tweed but was actually microscopic strips of woven leather (below). And the layers of flock that looked like pastel M&Ms? 'They are actually rubber,' he said, while signing his name with a flourish across one of his orange and pink sketches
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
JJ Martin
-
All-In is the Paris-based label making full-force fashion for main character dressing
Part of our monthly Uprising series, Wallpaper* meets Benjamin Barron and Bror August Vestbø of All-In, the LVMH Prize-nominated label which bases its collections on a riotous cast of characters – real and imagined
By Orla Brennan
-
Maserati joins forces with Giorgetti for a turbo-charged relationship
Announcing their marriage during Milan Design Week, the brands unveiled a collection, a car and a long term commitment
By Hugo Macdonald
-
Through an innovative new training program, Poltrona Frau aims to safeguard Italian craft
The heritage furniture manufacturer is training a new generation of leather artisans
By Cristina Kiran Piotti