Karl Lagerfeld's Final Estate Auction at Sotheby's Paris Raises Over $836,000 USD
A caricature of Angela Merkel emerged as the top lot, selling for nearly 60 times its estimate.
Karl Lagerfeld's Final Estate Auction at Sotheby's Paris Raises Over $836,000 USD
A caricature of Angela Merkel emerged as the top lot, selling for nearly 60 times its estimate.
Summary
Sotheby’s Paris concluded the final auction of Karl Lagerfeld’s estate with lots generating €731,008 EUR (approx. $836,000 USD) and achieving a 100 percent sell-through rate
A caricature of Angela Merkel fetched €23,040 EUR (approx. $16,000 USD) while other highlights included Swedish cast iron benches and a collection of 200 iPods
Sotheby’s Paris recently wrapped up its sixth and final auction of the Karl Lagerfeld personal estate. The highly anticipated event generated an impressive €731,008 EUR (approx. $836,000 USD) and achieved a 100 percent sell-through rate. Titled “KARL, Karl Lagerfeld’s Estate VI, Inspirations,” the sale featured more than 1,000 previously unseen sketches, unique personal gadgets and signature memorabilia. These historic pieces collectively reached three times the overall high estimate originally set by the auction house.
A caricature of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel emerged as the top lot of the evening. The artwork fetched €23,040 EUR (approx. $26,000 USD), selling for nearly 60 times its initial valuation. Other notable sales included a set of six Swedish cast iron benches that garnered 19,200 euros and a comprehensive portfolio of nearly 100 working documents closing at over €14,000 EUR (approx. $16,000 USD). Bidders also competed for the renowned designer’s extensive collection of 200 iPods alongside his iconic fingerless metallic leather gloves.
Lagerfeld’s immense cultural impact and obsessive collecting habits remained fully on display throughout the bidding process. Proceeds from this auction series directly benefit the late icon’s estate, following previous installments held in Monaco and Cologne. This final chapter offered an unprecedented look into the creative intimacy of the man affectionately known as the “Kaiser” of fashion. While Paris honored a legendary figure of the past, the industry simultaneously continued its global expansion with major contemporary showcases in Asia.
