‘Becoming Karl Lagerfeld’ is a French biographical drama series based on the 2019 biography titled ‘Kaiser Karl: The Life of Karl Lagerfeld’ by Raphaëlle Bacqué. The series is created by Isaure Pisani-Ferry, Jennifer Have, and Raphaëlle Bacqué. Set in the year 1972, the story focuses on the early career of a 38-year-old ready-to-wear designer named Karl Lagerfeld. At this time, Karl is striving to make a name for himself in the highly competitive Parisian fashion industry. While Yves Saint Laurent is already a dominant figure, Karl’s ambition and determination drive him to challenge this supremacy and aim to become the most famous French fashion designer.
Plot Overview
Through sheer perseverance and talent, Karl Lagerfeld eventually becomes the head designer and creative director of major fashion houses like Chanel, Fendi, and his own label. The series not only highlights Karl’s professional rivalry with Pierre Bergé, the partner of Yves Saint Laurent, but also delves into his romantic relationship with Jacques de Bascher. The historical drama is brought to life by the stellar performance of Daniel Brühl, along with other talented actors such as Théodore Pellerin, Arnaud Valois, Alex Lutz, Agnès Jaoui, and Sunnyi Melles. The fast-paced storytelling is matched by the dynamic settings of Paris, Rome, and Monaco, where the iconic story unfolds.
Main Filming Locations
The filming of ‘Becoming Karl Lagerfeld’ took place across various picturesque locations in Europe, including Paris in France, Rome in Italy, and Monaco. Principal photography for the series began in early March 2023 and wrapped up by July 2023. Given the grand and glamorous subject matter, the production involved over 2,200 extras and utilized more than 40 sets. These sets were used to recreate apartments, fashion show venues, and couture houses, adding to the authenticity of the narrative.
Paris, France
A substantial section of ‘Becoming Karl Lagerfeld’ was filmed in the heart of France, Paris. Paris, with its rich history and breathtaking buildings, served as an ideal setting for the series. The city’s ancient landmarks and streets brilliantly depict the 1970s Paris fashion scene. Among the prominent landmarks included are the Musée National d’Art Moderne, Musée d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, the Centre Pompidou, Rue de Rivoli, and Place des Vosges. These historic locations provide an air of authenticity and charm to the series, making Karl Lagerfeld’s narrative even more appealing.
Rome, Italy
The production team also traveled to Rome, the capital city of Italy, to film several parts of the series. Rome, with its rich cultural and historical significance, served as an ideal location for ‘Becoming Karl Lagerfeld.’ The city’s breathtaking architecture and ancient landmarks provided a perfect setting for the series. Most of the filming in Rome took place outdoors, capturing the essence of the city. However, some important scenes were shot inside actual establishments and on the sound stages of film studios located in and around the city.
Monaco
Given Monaco’s close proximity to France, the filming unit also set up camp in the Principality of Monaco to shoot additional portions of the series. Monaco, known for its luxurious lifestyle and stunning scenery, added a touch of elegance to the series. Unlike many other locations, Monaco does not offer tax incentives for production, making it a unique choice for filming. The beautiful locales of Monaco have been featured in various films and TV shows, including ‘Fifty Shades Freed,’ ‘Once Upon a Crime…,’ ‘The Dog of Christmas,’ ‘Murder Mystery,’ and ‘Rebecca.’ The picturesque setting of Monaco provided an ideal backdrop for the lavish and opulent scenes in ‘Becoming Karl Lagerfeld.’
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Becoming Karl Lagerfeld
Q: Where was ‘Becoming Karl Lagerfeld’ filmed?
A: Becoming Karl Lagerfeld’ was filmed across various picturesque locations in Europe. The primary filming locations included Paris in France, Rome in Italy, and Monaco. Each of these locations provided a rich and authentic backdrop that perfectly complemented the glamorous and historical narrative of the series.
Q: When did the filming of ‘Becoming Karl Lagerfeld’ take place?
A: Principal photography for ‘Becoming Karl Lagerfeld’ began in early March 2023 and wrapped up in July 2023. The filming process spanned several months, allowing the production team to capture the essence of the 1970s fashion scene in various iconic European cities.
Q: What specific places in Paris are used for filming?
A: In Paris, several iconic landmarks and streets served as filming locations for ‘Becoming Karl Lagerfeld.’ These included the Musée National d’Art Moderne, Musée d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, the Centre Pompidou, Rue de Rivoli, and Place des Vosges. These locations helped recreate the vibrant and historic Parisian fashion scene of the 1970s.
Q: Why was Rome chosen as a filming location for the series?
A: Rome was chosen for its rich cultural and historical significance, which made it an ideal setting for ‘Becoming Karl Lagerfeld.’ The city’s stunning architecture and ancient landmarks provided a perfect backdrop for the series. Many scenes were filmed outdoors in Rome, with some key scenes shot inside actual establishments and on sound stages.
Q: When is the release date of ‘Becoming Karl Lagerfeld’?
A: ‘Becoming Karl Lagerfeld’ was released on June 7, 2024 on Hulu.
