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Karl Lagerfeld’s estate treasures to hit Sotheby’s auction

Special pieces from Karl Lagerfeld’s estate in Monaco, Paris, and Cologne are set to go up for auction for the first time since his death. 

The auction in Monaco is set for December 3, 4, and 5th. The auction in Paris will be held on December 14 and 15th, and the auction in Cologne will then be held on March 22. 

“Sotheby’s is paying tribute to this genius of a designer with the sale of over 1000 lots from his residences in France and Monaco, presenting an anthology of his personal taste but also of his life and career,” the Sotheyb’s website with information of the auction states. “Divided between Monaco, Paris and Cologne, the sales are in his image, multiple and surprising, telling the story of the couturier, the collector, the decorator and the photographer.”

Lagerfeld, who was Chanel’s creative force for over three decades, passed away in 2019 from complications of pancreatic cancer. 

His “dear friend,” Lady Amanda Harlech gave Vogue Magazine a tour through his Parisian home, which is just one of five properties the designer owned. 

Designer Karl Lagerfeld (L) and Lady Amanda Harlech attend the 7th Annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards at Skylight SOHO on November 15, 2010 in New York City.
Designer Karl Lagerfeld and Lady Amanda Harlech attend the 7th Annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards at Skylight SOHO on November 15, 2010 in New York City.
WireImage
An exterior shot of his home in Paris.
An exterior shot of his home in Paris.
Courtesy of Vogue

In the tour, Harlech, described as a writer, creative consultant, muse, and close friend of Lagerfeld, showed some of the pieces from his collection, which consists of more than 1,000 items, including art pieces, his personal wardrobe, furniture and accessories. 

“He put everything into [his home]. He really loved it,” Harlech said during the tour. “He called the house “a real version of himself. Karl created these spaces that made you feel like the best possible version of yourself.” 

“He loved the idea that the house would be filled with friends. He’d have dinners here and everyone would spend the night,” she recalled, adding that Lagerfeld was a “brilliant host.” 

The sitting room is where he would spend most of his time watching television.
The sitting room is where he would spend most of his time watching television.
Courtesy of Vogue
Bruno Paul Furniture is set to be auctioned off, which can cost on average $11,000 per piece.
Bruno Paul Furniture is set to be auctioned off, which can cost on average $11,000 per piece.
Courtesy of Vogue
A Sue Et Mare piano, which will also appear in the auction with a starting price of $11,000.
A Sue Et Mare piano, which will also appear in the auction with a starting price of $11,000.
Courtesy of Vogue

One of the items Harlech highlighted was a Terzani Chandelier, which hangs over a dining table. While unclear how much it will go for, an average piece from Terzani can cost up to $52,000.

“It’s like a Couture dress, it’s astonishing,” she marveled.

Harlech then walks viewers through the sitting room, which she explained as the place for Lagerfeld to watch television. 

Karl's Lagerfeld's study, which is filled to the top with books.
Karl’s Lagerfeld’s study, which is filled to the top with books.
Courtesy of Vogue
A Terzani Chandelier will also be up for auction. A piece of lighting from the brand typically costs up to $52,000.
A Terzani Chandelier will also be up for auction. A piece of lighting from the brand typically costs up to $52,000.
Courtesy of Vogue
Art pieces will also be auctioned off.
Art pieces will also be auctioned off.
Courtesy of Vogue
Karl Lagerfeld's friend Lady Amanda Herlich, explains how her late friend was a perfect host.
Karl Lagerfeld’s friend Lady Amanda Herlich, explains how her late friend was a perfect host.
Courtesy of Vogue

“Karl loved to watch the news. When we would have dinner the news would be on all the time,” Harlech said. “He also liked to watch Dancing With the Stars, being a champion ballroom dancer in his youth. He also really, really loved silent movies.” 

In the room is a Bruno Paul couch, which will also be auctioned. The average cost runs $11,000. 

Pierre Mothes, Sotheby’s senior director and head of the sale, previously told Galerie Magazine that the items in the auction are expected to range in price from $11 for Karl’s very own dishes of his beloved cat, Choupette, to $445,000 for his Rolls-Royce.

“It was his favorite vehicle, especially during spring and summer. He loved it as an open car,” Mothes said of the car.  

Other items that will be auctioned include his portrait by Takashi Murakami to Tokidoki dolls, a Jeff Koons Balloon Venus, and a  Sue Et Mare piano. 

All proceeds from the auction will go to his estate.

About the author

Tina Sanders

Tina is the mind behind Gruntstuff.com, and she ideated it when she was working for an online magazine company where she used to cover US-based headlines news. She holds a degree in journalism and has more than 4.5 years of experience in an online magazine company. She had the idea while working there but when she was quite sure about starting something on her own, she took the risk and left the job to start Gruntstuff. Since then she added a few team members, and along with them, she creates General US news content on the site.

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