Karl Lagerfeld (1933–2019) - Berlin - Off Record -

Black and white portrait photograph by Karl Lagerfeld, printed as an inkjet print and presented in a white mount. The work bears the blind stamp “KL” in the lower marginThe image relates to Lagerfeld’s celebrated book “Off the Record”, first published in the 1990s, a photographic project bringing together his highly stylised black-and-white portraits, fashion scenes, nightlife images and cinematic visual stories.

This photograph captures the atmosphere of Berlin nightlife in the 1990s, with a theatrical and underground character typical of Lagerfeld’s visual language: dramatic contrast, posed figures, fashion styling, cabaret references and a strong sense of nocturnal glamour. The image is closely connected to the world of clubs, performers, fashion and queer nightlife, themes also associated with Lagerfeld’s “Off the Record” imagery and the Berlin bar/cabaret scene of the period.

Karl Lagerfeld is internationally known as one of the most influential creative figures of the late 20th and early 21st century, but photography was also a major part of his artistic practice. His photographic work includes portraiture, fashion photography, architecture, landscape and staged compositions. “Off the Record” is considered one of his important early photobook projects and reflects his refined eye for style, character and mise-en-scène.

A highly decorative and collectible piece for admirers of Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel, Fendi, Steidl, fashion photography, 1990s Berlin culture and black-and-white portraiture. The work can be placed in dialogue with photographers and image-makers such as Helmut Newton, Peter Lindbergh, Herb Ritts, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, Guy Bourdin, Jeanloup Sieff, Ellen von Unwerth, Steven Meisel, Paolo Roversi, Bruce Weber, David Bailey, Sarah Moon, Mario Testino, Juergen Teller, Wolfgang Tillmans, Nan Goldin, Robert Mapplethorpe, Andy Warhol, Cecil Beaton, Man Ray, Horst P. Horst, Pierre et Gilles, Bettina Rheims, Deborah Turbeville, William Klein, Anton Corbijn, Steven Klein, Nick Knight, and Hedi Slimane.

Condition: Good overall condition. The photograph is mounted and presents well. Please note that the print and mount may show minor signs of handling consistent with age and storage. The blind stamp is visible in the lower margin. there is a little bit of waivness on the paper.

The two images of the book "off record"it is just for ilustrative purposes