End of the era of Emperor Karl?

Yesterday was the Chanel couture show. All the ingredients were there. The best models in the world, the most exclusive couture pieces from the French fashion house, the Grand Palais, the VIPs, the hairspray (check those hairstyles), the decor (an Italian villa so sun-drenched that you would almost forget it was below zero outside) only the cherry on top was missing. Karl. He was ‘a bit tired’ the house let it be known and sent his right hand Virginie Viard up on the runway to wave to the guests present.

Of course, the press department had worked incredibly hard to make the absence of Karl seem as light as possible. But that didn't work, of course. The couture show is one of the most important events of the year. You are there as the head designer. Even if you have to be carried in horizontally. You don't cancel for a little flu. Then something else is going on. Especially when you consider that Karl, 85 summers old, to my knowledge has never missed a show before. And that while he has been associated with Chanel for 35 years alone. In addition, he also designs for Fendi and for his own brand Karl Lagerfeld and his yes muscle is really a lot better developed than the one that says ‘no’ because Karl photographs, creates, inspires and enjoys everything.

But even Karl is starting to feel the years. We see that. Not in his work, but in the body that walks the catwalk a bit stiffer each season. As far back as I can remember, he has been there. When I was 11, he started at Chanel. I know no other, I know no better. I sometimes have the thought; who would they choose if Karl can no longer? Can someone step out of his shadow?

I wish Karl espresso with Pepsi Max on the terrace of Senequier in Saint Tropez, infinitely many cuddle hours with Choupette, moments to look back instead of always rushing forward from project to project. We will miss him, but he has earned it.

The nicest rumor I heard is that talks are being held with Phoebe Philo, the woman who, alongside Stella McCartney, brought Chloé to great heights and was responsible for the looks of Céline until last year. The modest British woman born in Paris with her modest but strong personality could carry the house without wanting to erase the myth of Karl. Because in the end, there is only one Great, and that is Karl.