Sales From Karl Lagerfeld Estate Auction Exceed Expectations

One part of the auction still remains

Karl Lagerfeld Estate
A black bust is displayed ahead of the German fashion designer, photographer, decorator and collector Karl Lagerfeld's auction sale "KARL, Karl Lagerfeld's Estate Part I" organised by Sotheby's auction house, with a scenography by Humbert & Poyet in Monaco, on November 26, 2021.
VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images

It’s been almost three years since the death of acclaimed fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. In late November of this year, Sotheby’s began a three-part auction of items from Lagerfeld’s estate with a high-profile event in Monaco. The second part of the auction took place last week in Paris — and, not unlike some other high-profile auctions as of late, more than a few items up for sale have been sold for far more than the auction house’s estimate.

As a recent article at ARTnews points out, the first part of the auction was estimated to make $3.4 million; instead, it made $13.3 million. It included illustrations and designs, along with artwork by the likes of Jeff Koons. The second part of the auction also featured a number of Lagerfeld’s illustrations — including one of a menu from Café de Flore in Paris, and one of a trio of women. Both sold for six-figure sums.

The article notes that clothes and accessories from Lagerfeld’s collection were among the items auctioned off. The Paris auction included a Chanel bag that sold for $107,000, setting a record in the process. A Dior Homme jacket estimated to sell for $1,125 sold for quite a bit more: $40,000.

The first two parts of the estate auction may be over, but the third part is still a few months away. It’s set to take place in Germany, and will be held next March.

The InsideHook Newsletter.

News, advice and insights for the most interesting person in the room.