Becoming Karl Lagerfeld tells the story of the iconic German designer’s rise, as well as his romantic and professional rivalry with Yves Saint Laurent (Arnaud Valois). The series plunges into the heart of the 70s, in Paris, Monaco and Rome, to follow the formidable blossoming of this complex and iconic personality of Parisian couture, as he strives strip Yves Saint Laurent’s title as the emperor of fashion. Between glamour and clashes of egos, grandiose parties, and destructive passions, the series digs deep into his life as an obscure personality driven by his mother’s passion, to his continued persistence to become one of the world’s most famous designers.

In 1972, Karl Lagerfeld (Daniel Brühl) is 38 and not yet wearing his iconic hairstyle. He is a ready-to-wear designer, unknown to the general public. While he meets and falls in love with the sultry Jacques de Bascher (Théodore Pellerin), an ambitious and troubling young socialite, who jumps back and forth, and in bed, with both designers. Watch as Lagerfeld dares to take on his friend, rival, and former lover, Yves Saint Laurent (Arnaud Valois), a genius of haute couture backed by the redoubtable businessman Pierre Bergé (Alex Lutz). 

A story told for the first time on screen and adapted from the bestseller “Kaiser Karl” by Raphaëlle Bacqué (published by Albin Michel) that brings together a star-studded supporting cast as well, including Jeanne Damas (Paloma Picasso), Paul Spera (Andy Warhol), Sunnyi Melles (Marlene Dietrich), and Lisa Kreuzer (Elisabeth Lagerfeld). It also features a throwback soundtrack of club hits from back in the day.

It’s definitely worth a watch even if you’re not the fashionista type, just to get a feel for what the cutthroat fashion industry was of the time. 

Now streaming on Disney + / Hulu

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.