Beginning November 5, Karl Lagerfeld and artnet will unveil the results of their partnership: three one-of-a kind handbags and their accompanying sketches, created exclusively for artnet by Lagerfeld himself.

These unique bags, which will be available for live bidding at artnet Auctions through November 10, have been crafted by hand, while the design sketches, which are rarely made available for sale, should be coveted as works of art. The auction is in celebration of the launch of KARL LAGERFELD, the global online women’s flagship store on Karl.com.

Karl Lagerfeld’s sketch for “Crescendo” is up for auction alongside the bag.
Photo: artnet

Lagerfeld has become one of the world’s most renowned designers as the head of the fashion houses Chanel and Fendi as well as his own fashion label. Over the his decades-long career, his designs have become synonymous with elegance, sophistication, and rock-and-roll, while his runway shows have become art installations of their own.

In addition to his work in fashion, Lagerfeld continues to broaden his creative horizons as a film director and an art collector.

In the first part of this two-part series, Lagerfeld talks about his inspiration. From what inspires the imaginative and installation-like stage sets for his runways, to his collection of German furniture from 1906-1914 that he started 20 years ago, and his current fascination with Jeff Koons.

Karl Lagerfeld’s sketch for “Le Spectre de la Rose” is up for auction alongside the finished bag.
Photo: artnet