Artist: Karl Lagerfeld
Title: Original Drawing T546
Medium: Mixed Media - Ink Pen with Watercolor on Paper with Fabric Swatch
Paper Size:12.5" x 9.75"
Edition: Original
Year: Circa 1963-1969
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
Provenance: Estate of Tiziani; Estate of Raf Ravaioli ; Private Collection, Palm Beach, FL
This rare and captivating original drawing by Karl Lagerfeld, created during his formative years at the House of Tiziani (circa 1963–1969), showcases the designer's exceptional talent as both an artist and visionary. The mixed media work features a finely detailed sketch of a woman clad in a tea-length white dress, elegantly designed with elbow-length bell sleeves and a vibrant floral motif in shades of purple and pink. A striking purple belt cinches the waist, accentuating the silhouette with precision and grace.
A notable highlight of this piece is the attached fabric swatch, a purple rose-like floral applique that connects the sketch directly to the tactile world of fashion. This combination of illustration and textile underscores Lagerfeld's meticulous process, where artistry and materiality intertwine seamlessly.
Lagerfeld's drawings from this era are exceptionally rare, offering a window into the early creative genius of a man who would later become one of fashion's most iconic figures. This work exemplifies his mastery of line, color, and composition, providing an intimate glimpse into his design process and artistic sensibility.
The drawing is accompanied by a gallery certificate of authenticity. Provenance includes the Estate of Tiziani, the Estate of Raf Ravaioli, and a private collection in Palm Beach, Florida. While the 12.5" x 9.75 sheet is currently unframed, professional framing is available upon request.
About Karl Lagerfeld
Karl Lagerfeld was far more than a legendary fashion designer; he was a consummate artist whose sketches captured the very soul of style, elegance, and innovation. Born in 1933 in Hamburg, Germany, Lagerfeld's artistic talents emerged early and became the defining thread throughout his career, shaping not only his design work but influencing the entire fashion industry.
While Lagerfeld is best known as the creative mastermind behind luxury fashion houses such as Chanel and Fendi, his artistic genius extended well beyond those iconic brands. Among his distinguished collaborations was his influential work with the House of Tiziani, a prestigious atelier celebrated for exquisite craftsmanship and artistic flair. At Tiziani, Lagerfeld's sketches helped bridge traditional artisanal techniques with contemporary vision, guiding collections that balanced heritage with modern sophistication. His drawings for the House of Tiziani remain prized examples of his ability to convey texture, volume, and emotion through the pencil's stroke.
Lagerfeld's sketches were not merely technical blueprints; they were vivid, evocative artworks. His drawings possessed a remarkable clarity and confidence, demonstrating impeccable knowledge of anatomy and fabric behavior. Yet they were also distinctly modern and dynamic — bold, fluid lines brought models and garments to life with a sense of movement and personality. His signature elongated figures, often rendered with dramatic proportions, lent his illustrations a timeless elegance and fantasy that echoed his visionary approach to fashion design.
Sketching was a crucial creative ritual for Lagerfeld. More than just a step in the design process, drawing was a direct dialogue with his imagination — a way to explore textures, forms, and moods before the physical garment came into being. This intimate relationship with the pencil allowed Lagerfeld to produce collections with cohesive artistic vision, blending craftsmanship and conceptual storytelling seamlessly.
Collectors and fashion historians have recognized Lagerfeld's sketches as standalone works of art. Exhibited in galleries worldwide, these drawings are celebrated for their graphic beauty and insight into the mind of one of fashion's greatest creators. They reveal a profound understanding of the technical demands of garment construction as well as the poetic potential of fashion as a visual language.
Lagerfeld's artistic talents also extended into photography, film, and book illustration, showcasing his multidisciplinary brilliance. Yet, his fashion sketches remain his purest artistic expression — a direct, unfiltered manifestation of his creative spirit.
In essence, Karl Lagerfeld was not just a designer, but a true artist who elevated fashion sketching to an art form. His work with luxury houses like Chanel, Fendi, and notably the House of Tiziani, reflects the perfect union of technical mastery, creative vision, and artistic passion. Through his sketches, Lagerfeld immortalized the spirit of style and innovation, leaving behind a legacy that transcends fashion and endures as a testament to art itself.
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