The Karl Lagerfeld Auctions Bring Astounding Results

Karl Lagerfeld was an icon of the fashion world and pop culture in the course of his life and was admired and celebrated for his ingenuity as a designer, his often biting humor and his inimitable way of self-presentation. On February 19, 2019, Lagerfeld died of complications from cancer at the age of 85 in Neuilly-sur-Seine near Paris.

When the estate of an icon is auctioned, it can be difficult for the auction house to decide the estimates for the individual lots. Due to its association with a larger than life figure, the objects' worth is entirely subjective.

Karl Lagerfeld (1933-2019), portrait of Anna Wintour in a long dress, 2004, drawing and gouache, signed, dated and dedicated "Love Karl". Sold for 56,700 euros (estimate 300-500 euros). Photo © Sotheby's

For example, the first of the two live auctions dedicated to Karl Lagerfeld's estate (there were also two online auctions), which took place in Monaco and attracted more than 1,000 bidders, achieved around 12 million euros against an estimate of 3 million euros.

Dior Homme, jacket made of black wool, winter collection 2008, with a pair of fingerless gloves by Causse. Sold for 35,280 euros (estimate 500-1,000 euros). Photo © Sotheby's

Even if not every lot of the four auctions found a new owner, most of them surpassed their estimated price. For example, at the second live auction in Paris, a black jacket from Dior Homme's 2008 winter collection, which also included a pair of fingerless gloves, fetched 35,280 euros (including premium and fees) instead of the estimated 500 - 1,000 euros.

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Chanel, carrier bag made of black, embossed lambskin with silver hardware, approx. 2010. Sold for 94,500 euros (estimate 2,000-4,000 euros). Photo © Sotheby's

In the same auction, a record was set for a handbag by Chanel that Lagerfeld had carried on a visit to the FIAC art fair in 2011. 94,500 euros (including buyer's premium and fees) were paid for it; the estimated price was between 2,000 and 4,000 euros, making it the most expensive Chanel bag sold at auction.

Karl Lagerfeld (1933-2019), four notebooks with fashion sketches, approx. 2000. Sold for 315,000 euros (estimate 500-800 euros). Photo © Sotheby's

The most astounding price increase was for four notebooks with fashion drawings, which the designer had used around the year 2000. Estimated at 500-800 euros, the unique piece of fashion history was finally sold for 315,000 euros (including buyer's premium and fees).

More news from the auction market can be found in Barnebys Magazine

About the author

Gritta von Toll

Gritta von Toll is the German Editor at Barnebys Magazine. She completed studies in pre- and early history and archaeology, and since 2015, after a short detour into the world of advertising, she has worked at Barnebys, where she immerses herself in art history in order to bring bygone epochs closer to today's readers.