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Known worldwide for his fashion creations, Karl Lagerfeld is also a remarkably talented photographer. From October 16th until March 20th the Pinacothèque de Paris presents ‘Karl Lagerfeld, A Visual Journey’, a retrospective devoted to the intensely personal photographic work of the man we like to call the Kaiser of Fashion.

At the Pinacothèque

Located close to the Madeleine and the department stores, the Pinacothèque has offered an exceptional and international array of exhibitions since it opened in 2007. With its original and diverse programme of events, this superb gallery has become an essential cultural reference in Paris.

"Photography is part of my life"

Best known for the fashion collections he creates at Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld is a multifaceted artist. Although passionate about photography, he adopted the art form relatively late, taking his first professional shots in 1987 when he responded to an urgent request for press kit photos required by Chanel. Following this experience he became thrilled with the creative possibilities the medium offered him.

"I don’t have one style but many"

This is indeed what we discover through this exciting exhibition. If fashion occupies a major place in the designer’s creative universe, the intention of curators Eric Pfrunder and Gerhard Steidl is to demonstrate the diversity of the sources from which Karl Lagerfeld draws his inspiration. Landscapes, architecture, portraits, self-portraits and, of course, fashion ... these and more are the areas of interest presented here, in a variety of different visual media.

Going beyond talent

The visitor will also discover the sheer variety of photographic techniques that Karl Lagerfeld likes to use. As with his fashion creations, his photographic images show a technical mastery and an ongoing search for expression. It’s a fascinating exhibition and we strongly recommend that you check it out during your stay at the Chess Hotel Paris!