Watch This Rare Interview with Karl Lagerfeld: From the WWD Archives

Karl Lagerfeld, who died on Feb. 19, 2019, sat down with WWD's Executive Editor Bridget Foley at the WWD Apparel and Retail CEO Summit in 2013. Take a look back at their conversation here. CONNECT WITH WWD
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[@veryeyeofnight]

“I'm not interested in my own past because I know everything about it“

[@nutauf7587]

He’s not interested in his own past because he has dark secrets like the fact his parents were nazis

[@brannonmcclure6970]

Exactly… moving ing on. Next question?

[@wf650]

He lived for his art but never took it seriously. He put up a very sophisticated persona but his answers tell us that deep inside he was just a very lucky guy, following his path while enjoying the ride. RIP Karl

[@lilymaniquis8460]

He stayed true to the Chanel brand as he took over and added his own artistry without diminishing but enhansing instead the signature look of Chanel.. A stroke of great artistry and very perceptive to.immortalize the house of Chanel ..he will be greatly missed a great designer thank you Karl lagerfeld.

[@janiceball8431]

He just gets it and all of it with exquisite taste and style. He brings the fashion story to life. He is missed. RIP

[@kayem3824]

Taking things too seriously is amateurish.

[@alexanderxyz6146]

what... one of the hardest workers. if people stopped talking that don't have a clue the world would be so much better to read. dunning krugers and smart asses all over just so they feel better a few minutes in their live... gross.

[@andromedamaxima1543]

well, he was hardworking, excellent ethic and talented

[@pietaval]

Karl was incredibly gracious in this interview. He managed to keep the flow going both for himself and with the audience. His broad insight on such a range of topics is amazing.

[@scoutyd1885]

A treasure of an interview. For those not impressed with the interviewer...Karl was on his toes, BF is an insider in the fashion world, and she seemed to know how to manage this job. This was not a typical interview task by any measure. Thank you for this video.

[@maryellenbailey5500]

Karl Lagerfeld was a true icon ,that kept Chanel and Fendi so relevant. He truly will be missed.God bless

[@tatie7604]

Hard working.

[@MilciadesAndrion]

This is a really great interview. Both interviewer and Lagerfeld worked in harmony and produced this amazing video. It called my attention that he says he doesn't keep archives. He explained everything in a plain and honest language. Rest in peace.

[@ed9910]

Respect. I am not a big fashion person but always admired Karl Lagerfeld as a person. What a loss.

[@AluaSatubaeva]

Karl was a king of fashion industry and he passed away as a king of fashion industry.

[@dylanmoreno3363]

Fashion industry has lost someone really big and forever been changed. R.I.P. Karl 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@MSTAMRO_Organic_Skincare]

Legendary Karl Lagerfeld. Real King of fashion. A very talented and deep personality. Rest In Peace

[@danyagood6132]

Deep? Really? Someone who talks about enjoying revenge, leaves money to a cat, rather than animal rescue organizations, and spends his energy on costumes. That's not deep! Ghandi, Maya Angelou, MLK, etc......THEY are deep

[@lovinglife419]

I loved him so much. It was his documentary that I remember renting in college, back when Netflix mailed DVDs, that completely inspired me to keep going. Chanel inspired him, Karl inspired us. 'The best get the best.' May he rest in peace.

[@karyannfontaine8757]

Refreshing personality. Karl Lagerfeld was an interesting individual with amazing talent. He had the courage to be different.

[@dereine7137]

Er war unglaublich intelligent, unglaublich kreativ, ein visionär, unvergesslich lustig und der größte Designer aller Zeiten. Nur wenige menschen sind so vielseitig und talentiert wie er. Möge er in frieden Ruhen und Klasse und Stil in den Himmel bringen. Wir vermissen dich Karl. Die Welt hat mit dir nicht nur ihren größten Designer sondern auch eine ihrer größten und einzigartigsten Persönlichkeiten verloren.

[@miracleofsoul]

Ja, leider leider leider.... wo wir ihn, gerade heute, doch so brauchen...

[@Manu-ou1xm]

...une légende ne meurt jamais... dieser Anfang einer Notiz hat jemand mit Blumen vor Chanel gelegt. Ich bin heute in die 31, rue Cambon. Als ich die vielen Blumen mit Beileidsschreiben da liegen sah, wurde mir erst richtig bewusst, das es wahr ist.

[@estellementzingen1964]

Manu (

[@Manu-ou1xm]

Estelle Mentzingen 🤔🧐

[@nelliseibel9883]

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@ruthprodan]

Loved Karl, HATED the interviewer! What an amazing man. A true GENIUS! RIP King of Fashion!!!

[@otisberlin]

How impossibly annoying and vulgar is this interviewer, it’s a sign of how noble Lagerfeld was to tolerate her insufferably fake laugh, her horrible manner of interrupting, asking irrelevant and vacuous questions...as much as I admire Karl, I just can’t watch this

[@jasminerosebellydancer6574]

I feel the same what a loss to this world his intelligence and depth. of understanding. Is astounding

[@openyoureyes4799]

I think she was speaking way too loud, but maybe she was nervous?

[@margretvomstern4664]

@Spongebob Schwanzkopf Ja, super ! Aber der blöde Lanz war auch nicht besser ! Übrigens KARL ist nicht tot...Karl lebt weiter..nainportequoi.de.tl/KARL-LAGERNAIN.htm

[@AngelinaHuynh-lo1mu]

You’re right.. It’s like when an brainless amateur talks to a professional designer.

[@elinstar6034]

Yes, I thought perhaps she was nervous, so rattling out questions without really listening.

[@Biboche23]

He had a lot of wisdom and speaks the truth. Very knowledgeable man. I wish the interviewer wouldn’t stumble over her words like that its distracting it almost makes forget the questions i noticed a couple even Karl had to ask her to repeat herself.

[@gabriellazevedo1]

“I have nothing to say and what I have to say I cannot say”. He is a legend!

[@Carolina2022.]

Hej?

[@danyagood6132]

What's legendary is his superficiality, greed, and total absence of real values

[@knutkatastrophe2722]

@@danyagood6132 woke victim

[@susanharris5926]

@@danyagood6132 He never claimed to be a world savior. He claimed to be good at what he did. Which he was. If you are only interested in the legendary, you will have to lose interest in 99.9% of the population.

[@danielmayer9186]

Karl Lagerfeld is the best proof, that a fresh mind ain’t no question of age. P.S. Great job of the interviewer.

[@lapislazuli7876]

Are you for real? She was dreadful. Hopeless questions. No chronology.

[@sabrinaaltay4120]

Rest in peace, King of the fashion 😥

[@chocolate9726]

Queen of fashion

[@ImmaculateRecovery]

Truly an Icon - So smart witty and funny, so insightful, he has given so much enrichment to the world of fashion and beyond

[@phylis3917]

Nice pic

[@westphalenglocke9491]

As a german, its soo funny to hear the german accent, the typical german language but in english... ^^ Ruhe in Frieden!

[@phantommagnolia]

Einmal in der wohre Schreien

[@MatmoeLP]

fubar

[@TCB0816]

People always find something to critizise...instead of appreciate even being able to speak another language fluently.🤦

[@anna-elisabethbender3123]

@@TCB0816 But I know what he means, even though he is slightly mistaken, because Lagerfeld has a destinct Hamburg accent, not an overall German one. Are you familiar with Ruth Westheimer? She is from my hometown, and when she speaks English, the melody of her home accent remains. When Lagerfeld spoke German, he sounded exactly as in English or French, he was even more whitty as in a foreign language.

[@TCB0816]

@@anna-elisabethbender3123 I am german. So I know.

[@blackbolt1013]

I'm so happy to see this interview really shows a different side of this exceptional talent.

[@LiftLikeATigress]

@14:18 He was so bloody amazing, passionate, a perfectionist, witty, intelligent, funny, brilliant, suave dresser.... I can't believe i chosed NOW after he passed To watch his videos and interviews. True Legend.

[@laureensanders5080]

Karl will be very missed in the fashion world. He really was a very talented man and made all woman feel and become so beautiful.

[@yelenas1010]

She isnt the best interviewer at all, her questions don't flow with his answers and for someone in her position I would have expected much more eloquence.

[@elenaland7863]

Yelena S exactly ! She is actually quite bad

[@constanzerodriguezalvarez9477]

Yelena S - yes she hurts - stupid person

[@nonsequitur9332]

there's a big difference between a print journalist and a broadcast journalist

[@manelmanel9635]

She's intimidated

[@susannebogdanovic4806]

Love you Karl Lagerfeld I will miss you . Best designer ever!!

[@ilove2929]

Feel like somebody pushed the button just to make her laugh. Heck, am here for Karl. Damn he handled the interview & questions so well

[@robertplautz9722]

he worked with Gerhard Steidl in books. two geniuses, best in their fields. amazing

[@sosandy1168]

RIP Karl Lagerfeld... You will always be remembered, but mostly... Missed.

[@vincyman80]

Karl was a genius in everything. I love his knowledge and his way of thinking. Love the way he said people talk too much about money.

[@delaramstyles5547]

I still can believe that he died:((((((

[@lauraleah_]

@@bobie2556 nice one

[@lizryan6289]

@@bobie2556 Profound. Thank you.

[@nimueh4298]

Michael Dust Can you?

[@conexos2007]

I'm always so surprised when someone above 85 dies is so unexpected :/

[@delaramstyles5547]

I'm just saying he was important to the fashion world..i cant just handle all of this famous people death...

[@mina7703]

His interviews in german are hilarious. His humor and attitude was beyond.

[@jamilapeiter2128]

Karl Lagerfeld ist almost perfect and pleasent like many germans are, but the world do not know it!

[@drobbi]

Fantastic person, Lagerfeld. Great sense of proportion and order, in clothes and in life. Understands himself as a worker fortunate to be in a position to do his work exactly as he likes, in the best ways, and understands too that he has an obligation to that privilege. Thus, the sense of proportion. The best people are never arrogant.

[@1980Unrivaled]

Can't stand her fake laughter. She should marry Jimmy Fallon.

[@riguttor]

she is a MORON .

[@hektor_schmidt]

:D

[@magdelinem6962]

I noticed Uuug 😎😎😎

[@majagirlpower2561]

XD

[@ruwiki]

why in the US they have that habit? Same with the laughs in sitcoms

[@MrTommy2905]

One of the most interesting people ever

[@nellykwiatkowski1013]

Right

[@deasiamcclain5710]

💯

[@skihillsandy]

This is a true icon. RIP, he can’t be duplicated, so transparent & open, because he was always keeping on top of everything. “I stay in any country, the moment it’s not ok I leave. I pay taxes in France but wouldn’t pay 1penny more!”

[@juki3451]

Aww Choupette 😿 lost her papa....so sad...he is an icon...very unique, talented & clever like a fox 💅👄👜🛍👛👠💄👗

[@susanharris5926]

But he took great care to see she was provided for and looked after knowing she would probably outlive him. Knowing cats as I do, she probably adjusted quite well.

[@michellexx5533]

I've been around people with that laugh my whole life, and I'm jealous of those who haven't

[@designertjp-utube]

Love this Interview! There's another *Karl* *Lagerfeld* Quote stuck in my head from the '80's (which I may have read in an issue of WWD) where he says, _"I Design Like I Breathe. It Just Comes Naturally."_

[@marie-joelleraussou]

I love what was his work attitude and his curiosity of what is around him. A great all encompassing personality has gone.

[@lenkaranda]

Karl LAGERFELD is a LEGEND and ICON FOREVER !!! He is really EMPEROR OF FASHION....and his straight honesty is incredible!! I LOVE his style forever... RIP the biggest man of fashion...

[@miracleofsoul]

so true

[@Dream-wu4bn]

He was such a genius..... He didn't make a big fuss over things..... stright to the point....A true jokester 😂.....could design in his sleep..... didn't sleep much was always on the go.....had a great memory.... truly he will be missed..... would have loved to have met him and talk for hrs....or just have been in his company and just listen to him and seen him work in his personal time....❤❤❤❤

[@electric_girl]

💫✨

[@castoputa]

A truly unique human being, the apex of style and intellect and wit, I was lucky to have lived during his era. Rest in power ❤️

[@Julia-dv9xg]

I am sorry, but it's painful to listen to the interviewer! Karl is a legend!

[@lovelyrainflowerfarm]

I love his effort not to let external factors affect his process as an artist. He knows that when he goes to work it’s to be an artist. If the clothes sells, it sells. If people like it, they like it. If people are attracted simply to the name. Whatever. His work is art. And an artist cannot produce authentic pieces while thinking of how to please other people. Many people try to analyze Karl by the brand side of things, when you really need to examine his from an artistic viewpoint.

[@andreareinhardt6834]

6:55 " I don't ask too many questions - I try to give right answers".

[@mikecooper562]

Why is she yelling at him? He should have said, “OMG, I’m sitting here next to you - no need to shriek,”. Obnoxious

[@elinstar6034]

It's odd, right?

[@elinstar6034]

Actually, maybe he's a bit deaf and she's just making sure he can hear?

[@kathieh9]

Happy I watched this, loved all of his “answers” very respectful

[@acs3451]

its a shame the interviewer didnt go into more details in some of karls answers

[@meredithheath5272]

Needless to say, he had excellent personal taste (judging from his arrangement of his personal furnishings and objects in his homes) which was a manifestation of his taste; hence resulting in his gorgeous fashion work.

[@cookiegreen5408]

I want to thank you Karl Lagerfeld for bringing joy in my house every time I looked in the fashion magazines I saw your clothing in the people that you use.you didn't care what color the malls were you brought Beauty and many colors in the clothing and then the people thank you for the sunlight in the stars that you've brought into my world

[@heathercorinne5876]

I wonder if he was always this certain of so many things. He takes no bull shit and can see it right away. He's very rational and knows how to hone his creativity without any stumbling blocks. This quality of his to be so creative, fully self expressed and without qualms just fascinates me. I wonder if its a wisdom that comes with age or is a part of his personality make up.

[@meredithheath5272]

While he had some abuse, esp. from his mother, she DID allow him free reign and support of his endeavors and aspirations, as did his father - at least with his father's financial support. His parents, as well as he, knew he was gay from an early age, and had a laissaiz faire attitude about Mr.Lagerfeld's sexual orientation - even from his parents! So, there seem to be several factors in Karl's attitude and resulting success. Very fortunate man, overall.

[@DreambigGabriela]

It will be interesting to see how much of a visionary Virginie Viard is, or if she can even continue the legacy. As much as two people work together, as the two of them did for 30 years, he had his imagination and creative power, she has her. Two people can't be identical in this industry even when sharing the same vision. The future will tell how well he chose. I'm sure she is a capable woman, but she's still different. Difference is good though. Hopefully Chanel will still be flying high in 30 years from now.

[@christinecollins6302]

Luminous Genius. Succinct and true

[@ferdinandawn2555]

He has a Well mannered of english spoken and his voice not sound like an older person, and undoubtly great personality

[@abhazutshi7003]

Loved him❤🙏 he was legendary😔

[@nelliseibel9883]

😭 I miss you Karl

[@leximac2501]

We all thought he would live forever 💔

[@elizabethpodesta9554]

Rip king Karl fashion world will miss you forever 😘😘😘😘😘

[@katgalarraga]

Thank you for inspiring us all! RIP Karl

[@frederickparatene3625]

Simply Rewarding...

[@Tryfieldanimas]

There will never ever be someone like him again it's a Strategy that he is gone. RIP

[@user-ut8gh7ww9y]

A tragedy you mean...

[@lauradowney7167]

You’re still missed mr lagerfeld ❤️🙏🏻

[@eshaibraheem4218]

Tom Wolff. She doesn't know him.

[@nigelcarren]

RIP the greatest most erudite focused 'Fashioneer' 🏆

[@janetcorey5102]

Brilliant! I could listen to him all day🥂

[@BeaEssev1900Sandomapa]

Karl war einzigartig, sich selbst treu und ein Lichtblick für Mode und reflektiertes Sein. Ein lebendes Lehrbuch ist leider von uns gegangen. Merci Karl 🖤😎🖤

[@catiusciadossantosmaus4892]

Karl lagerfel der beste mode designer alle zeit du wirdst immer in unsere herz bleiben

[@amhellbent]

Excellent interesting interview with such an excellent man, thanks very much for sharing it :))

[@heritageliturgical2257]

Fascinating moment with a legend - a gentleman, always

[@jakoblaban429]

He is and will be missed :'( RIP Karl

[@lindayeager3126]

He was getting hard of hearing, but what a great personality, !

[@MTMF.london]

He was hilarious. Such sharp mind and wit. Legend.

[@JootsyMansfield]

karl. karl. karl. i miss you.

[@suesmith9665]

He is a wonderful person.

[@MrSebboxxx]

.... ich vermisse ihn, obwohl ich ihn nicht persönlich kannte ... ich glaube bei ihm war der Begriff "Star" wirklich angebracht, denn er strahlte unaufhörlich Energie nach allen Richtungen .... :-)

[@veryeyeofnight]

I love how certain videos command me: WATCH THIS. I suddenly know exactly what to do. It helps with depression too.

[@veryeyeofnight]

Wtf?

[@robertriordan1823]

Yes. He is very clear.

[@donsonic]

We need more diversity in the fashion industry....facts

[@goldenglove4663]

Love Karl he is missed.

[@nathaliedufour3891]

What a bright spark !! Irreplaceable ⭐️👑💋

[@MrVikingsandra]

I love this man, he was always so wise and insightful ❤

[@napalmtec]

What a marvellous brilliant person he was and what a vulgar comrade is interviewing him. RIP!!!

[@ehmbea9000]

I thought the very same thing......:-(

[@constanzerodriguezalvarez9477]

NealCassady - they pay u for that?

[@AL_THOMAS_777]

I recommend to listen to it at 0,75 speed. Much more relaxed (imho). . .

[@storkonstage]

One word: Amazing!

[@teresatsai8753]

I do not ask why! He was a such of simple guy - legend.

[@dmer-zy3rb]

well educated, intelligent, talented, funny, charismatic, very confident - this is the type of person people should look at as inspiration, he was the real alpha instead of people like Tate etc.

[@jennifererrington6113]

I can't believe an interviewer would ever interrupt Karl...at all...ever...under any circumstances.

[@myail2026]

so independent you really get a glimpse of his mind

[@bellaorion3394]

Always the Couture King 🖤 We will forever miss your creativity.

[@massimogiordano2778]

Very interesting

[@dfinite1111]

A remarkable genius and unusually rare, prodigious talent. He isn’t able to tell you how or why he designs, because it’s from an abundant inner source, that only he has. He can’t teach it to anyone, he can’t even articulate about it truly. No genius can.

[@tashaallen8359]

He was such a lovely man.

[@iKrUeMeL42]

What a terrible interviewer! Karl Lagerfeld is gorgeous as always! The world has lost a very nice, intelligent and warm-hearted person.

[@JamesMilliganJr]

It seems so not long ago, 2013!

[@ClaudiaVogel]

Excellent Interview ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@pcan01]

His biography Karl Lagerfeld: A Life in Fashion by Alfons Kaiser is a very historical, insightful, and entertaining book. I read it in 3 days.

[@elenaland7863]

Wow why is the presenter shouting Hun the microphone levels can be adjusted so you don’t have to scream ,Karl isn’t shouting Plus with the monitors around you will be able to hear your jewellery hitting the chest mic so either don’t wear it or wear a mic shield It’s basic for any presenting

[@louisedost8476]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👍🏿🙏🏾Such a smart man!!!👍🏿🙏🏾❤️❤️

[@riguttor]

He is AMAZING ! She as an interviewer has to be one of the worse , she is TERRIBLE and I don't think she even understands what he is even saying .

[@icemeoutlikeelsa]

what are you talking about? she understood everything, Karl is even friends with her

[@elenaland7863]

CITIZEN DECONSTRUCTED so true ,she is awful and he comes across in this particular interview as very witty

[@chowmikki]

He's right about Chanel. If she had been an orphan, so what? Europe had 2 wars in a row and people suffered ill health due to that or died at a younger age. Americans apply everything to their situation. That's the only beef I have about the interviewer.

[@riguttor]

@@chowmikki - Rely ? she just agreed to everything and didn't explore his answers fully , she seemed totally oblivious the the answers and seemed tome onto the next question like she was on a timer.

[@riguttor]

@@chowmikki - also look how many people have commented on the interviewer surely that tell you there are problems there .

[@chiemgau_herz_bayerns]

Eloquent and quick witted as always. Disturbing interviewer though.