1,000 Karl Lagerfeld Sketches Soon to Go Under the Hammer in Paris From July 2 to 8, starting at 1 euro

Calling all collectors and fashion lovers: an unprecedented treasure trove is about to be dispersed. From July 2 to 8, 2026, an exceptional online auction will shine a spotlight on the creative intimacy and secrets of the Kaiser himself, Karl Lagerfeld.

The starting point of all his creations

For Karl Lagerfeld, everything always began the exact same way: a blank sheet of paper and a pencil. Whether he was designing for Chanel, Fendi, or Chloé, the couturier hand-drew every single silhouette, every single detail, right up until his passing in 2019.

These 1,000 personal sketches, kept by the designer throughout his lifetime and hidden from the public eye until now, span several decades of fashion history, with some dating back to the 1970s. They carry a deeply unique historical and emotional value, bearing witness to the genesis of Lagerfeld's genius.

Leather gloves and... 200 iPods!

Beyond the works on paper, this sixth chapter of the Lagerfeld estate sale pulls back the curtain on the designer's inner world and highly specific habits. The catalog notably features his famous leather fingerless gloves, an inseparable signature of his iconic look and, an impressive collection of roughly 200 iPods.

A true technophile, Karl Lagerfeld used these Apple music players to meticulously categorize specific audio genres and organize the soundtracks for his spectacular runway presentations. It is a fascinating dive into his creative process.

The ultimate insider tip: Proof, if any were needed, that fashion can occasionally be democratic: every single lot will be offered without reserve prices. Bids will start at just 1 euro. For the curious and prospective buyers alike, a public exhibition will run concurrently in Paris, closing its doors on July 7.

The designer archive craze

Karl Lagerfeld is not the only designer whose legacy is sending the art and fashion markets into a frenzy. This sale is part of a broader, underlying trend where the personal archives of the world's greatest couturiers are being snapped up for gold. That very same week, Belgian designer Martin Margiela will also be the focus of a highly anticipated auction dedicated to his personal archives and conceptual pieces.

Whether you are looking to acquire a piece of fashion history or a slice of the couturier's tech-nostalgia, mark your calendars for early July.