Karl Lagerfeld (1938-2019) - Rare Original Self-Portrait — “C’est moi…” (2016)

Original Self-Portrait, Personally Drawn and Hand-Signed by the Artist

An exceptional personal artistic expression by one of the most influential figures in fashion history.

“C’est moi…” — “It’s me…”

An expressive original self-portrait by Karl Lagerfeld, created in 2016 and personally signed by the artist.
In this work, Lagerfeld turns his unmistakable artistic vision towards himself.
With just a few confident strokes of a black felt-tip pen, he captures the distinctive elements of his legendary
appearance: dark sunglasses, swept-back hair, a high collar and a sharply defined silhouette.
Above the portrait is the handwritten French inscription “C’est moi…” (“It’s me…”), adding a particularly
personal and playful character to the drawing.
The composition is completed by a large, freely executed Karl Lagerfeld signature extending across the
lower part of the sheet.


A Self-Portrait Beyond the World of Fashion

Karl Lagerfeld was not only a celebrated fashion designer but also a talented graphic artist whose distinctive
drawing style became an integral part of his creative identity.
Unlike Lagerfeld's numerous fashion sketches, this work is devoted entirely to the artist himself.
The simplicity of the composition is particularly expressive. The combination of bold black lines, carefully
placed hatching and deliberately untouched areas of paper creates an instantly recognisable portrait.
The handwritten words “C’est moi…” transform the drawing into an intimate and subtly ironic act of
self-expression.
Here, Lagerfeld is simultaneously the artist and the subject of his own creation.


Artwork Details

Artist: Karl Otto Lagerfeld
Title: Self-Portrait — “C’est moi…”
Year of creation: 2016
Technique: Original drawing in black felt-tip pen
Material: Bamboo paper, 250 gsm
Dimensions: 34 × 24 cm (height × width)
Signature: Handwritten signature “Karl Lagerfeld” on the front
Inscription: Handwritten inscription “C’est moi…” above the portrait
Condition: Very good
Collection: Private collection, Germany


Personal History and Provenance of the Collection

The self-portrait offered here comes from my private collection, which I have been building since
1992.
I grew up in a family of gold embroiderers who practised this craft over many generations — masters
of traditional ecclesiastical gold and silver embroidery.

In 2004, during my studies at the École Lesage in Paris, I met Karl Lagerfeld for the first time.

From 2007 until his death in 2019, I collaborated with Karl Lagerfeld, Maison Lesage and other
ateliers that had been producing exclusive artistic handwork for the House of CHANEL for decades.

My work included creating embroidery samples, developing new techniques of artistic embroidery
and appliqué, and translating the designer's creative ideas into material form.

After Karl Lagerfeld's death, the French legal professional Jacques Cholet contacted me and
informed me that the designer had left me a small collection of his fashion sketches as a gift.
This news came as a completely unexpected and deeply moving surprise.

Karl Lagerfeld always treated the people with whom he worked with great attention and care. He
understood that, after his death, many of us would have to look for new employment or end our
professional careers and retire. For this reason, during his lifetime, he sought to provide for many of
his collaborators by preparing personal gifts for them.

I regard the collection I received as an expression of his personal consideration, gratitude and
recognition of the work of those who, over many years, helped bring his creative ideas to life.

On 5 April 2019, I received the collection together with the accompanying document, the Acte de
donation — a deed of gift which, according to the collection's provenance history, was personally
drafted, handwritten and signed by Karl Lagerfeld on 9 November 2018.

The self-portrait offered in this auction forms part of that collection.


Additional Documentary Provenance

According to the accompanying documents, on 9 November 2018, Karl Otto Lagerfeld transferred a
collection of original drawings and creative works to Jacques Cholet in Paris.

Following the artist's death in February 2019, the drawing was transferred to the present private collection.
The reverse of the artwork bears an individual identification label referring to Karl Lagerfeld, the inscription
“C’est moi” and the year of creation, 2016.

The label also bears the name Jacques Cholet, a handwritten reference dated 5 April 2019, and a circular
stamp with the following wording:
“M. Jacques Cholet — Avocat général — Cour d’appel de Versailles”.


Accompanying Documentation

The artwork is offered with the following documents:

1. Individual Attestation of Provenance and Transfer (Attestation Individuelle)
The document bears the name Jacques Cholet, a signature and a stamp.

2. Photographic Copy of the Deed of Gift Dated 9 November 2018

Acte de donation — 9 novembre 2018
The buyer will receive a photographic copy of the handwritten deed of gift dated 9 November 2018.
The original deed of gift is of independent historical and collectible interest.
As its entire text was handwritten by Karl Lagerfeld, the deed of gift represents a valuable example of his
handwritten legacy and makes it possible to study the individual characteristics of the artist’s handwriting,
rather than merely his signature.
The document exists as a single original copy and relates to the entire collection, comprising several dozen
original drawings.
The original deed of gift remains in the collection’s archive and is not included in the lot offered for sale.
The buyer will receive a photographic copy enabling them to examine the document’s contents and the
distinctive features of its handwritten text.

3. Detailed Three-Page Artwork Description
This document records the technical characteristics, inscriptions, provenance and condition of the drawing.
The accompanying documentation and the markings on the reverse are illustrated in the photographs
provided.


Condition and Presentation

The self-portrait is preserved in very good condition.
The paper and the black graphic composition are well preserved, with no significant damage apparent.
The artwork is offered unframed, allowing its future owner to choose a presentation appropriate to the
character of their collection.


A Distinctive Work for Collectors

This self-portrait offers something different from Karl Lagerfeld's celebrated fashion illustrations.
It presents the designer’s own interpretation of himself — direct, confident, ironic and deeply individual.
The combination of the original drawing, the handwritten “C’est moi…” inscription, the expressive
signature and the accompanying provenance documentation makes this work particularly interesting to
collectors of Karl Lagerfeld, fashion history and original graphic art.
Karl Lagerfeld — “C’est moi…” (2016).
An image of the artist expressed through his own lines and words.


The Significance of This Artwork in My Collection

Karl Lagerfeld valued the precision of handwork, the mastery of skilled artisans and the ability to transform
even the most unusual artistic ideas into works of textile art.
For me, this self-portrait is a personal reminder of Karl Lagerfeld's creative world and of the years I spent
working professionally in the field of Haute Couture.
For health reasons, I have decided to part with selected pieces from my private collection.
I hope this artwork will find a new home in the collection of someone who appreciates its history and its
connection to the world of CHANEL.


Condition, Documentation, Packaging and Shipping

Before shipping, the artwork will be carefully examined to verify its condition, individual characteristics and
the completeness of the accompanying documentation.
The examination, photographic and video documentation of the artwork's condition, and its packaging will
be carried out in the presence of several witnesses.
Based on this examination, a written condition and packaging report will be prepared and signed by the
seller and the witnesses present.
The artwork will be packaged with due consideration for the special requirements involved in transporting
original works of art on paper.
Shipping will be arranged with tracking and appropriate insurance coverage, provided that these services are
available for the selected destination and the value of the artwork.
Please read the description carefully and examine all photographs of the artwork, including the reverse and
its identification markings.
If you have any questions about the self-portrait, its condition or the accompanying documentation, please
ask them through Catawiki's messaging system before the auction ends.
I will be happy to provide the necessary information.


Conditions of Private Sale, Returns and Handling of Claims

1. Private Sale
The sale is made by a private individual from their own collection.
No voluntary right of return or exchange is offered. The buyer's mandatory rights under applicable law and
Catawiki's rules remain unaffected.

2. Return of the Artwork and Documentation
In the event of cancellation or rescission of the purchase agreement, the seller expressly insists on the return
of the original self-portrait and all accompanying documents provided to the buyer.
This requirement also applies to cases involving claims concerning the authenticity or originality of the
artwork, except where the return would conflict with mandatory legal provisions or lawful orders issued by
competent public authorities.

3. Verification of Authenticity and Identity of the Artwork
In the event of claims concerning the authenticity or originality of the artwork, the seller requires a
substantiated expert report containing a detailed identification of the object examined.
Every authenticity examination must be conducted with proper documentation of its findings.
The seller reserves the right to challenge the conclusions of an expert examination and to request verification
that the artwork examined is identical to the object originally delivered to the buyer.
Every expert examination, transfer of the artwork to third parties or return of the artwork must be
accompanied by proper documentation of its condition, individual characteristics and history of movement.
In the event of a return, the seller reserves the right to verify the identity and condition of the returned
artwork by comparing it with the photographs, video recordings and examination report prepared before the
original shipment.

4. Shipping, Insurance and Return Shipping Costs
In the event of an agreed return for reasons not arising from a breach of the seller's obligations, the costs of
the original shipping, insurance and return shipment will be taken into account when settling the transaction,
to the extent permitted by applicable law and Catawiki's rules.
The seller reserves the right to claim reimbursement of documented expenses resulting from the buyer's
fault, provided that an appropriate legal basis exists.
The artwork must be returned using suitable protective packaging, with tracking and insurance coverage
corresponding to its value, provided that these services are available.
The allocation of costs and the return procedure will be agreed through Catawiki, while respecting the
mandatory rights of both parties.

5. Handling of Claims
The buyer is advised to report visible damage, discrepancies from the described condition or missing items
through Catawiki, in accordance with the platform's procedure, within three calendar days following
confirmed delivery.
If damage is discovered, the buyer is advised to retain the original packaging and provide photographs of the
artwork, the packaging and the shipping label.
The expiry of this period does not affect the buyer's mandatory rights under applicable law.
All matters relating to returns, authenticity examinations and dispute resolution will be handled through
Catawiki in accordance with the platform's rules in force at the relevant time and with due regard for the
rights of both parties.