Karl Lagerfeld is an international fashion icon. His trademark grey ponytail and sunglasses have helped his persona become as dazzling as the clothes he designs, and has made him one of the most enigmatic and influential fashion designers of the last fifty years. His work with Chanel and Chloe has brought him into the orbit of the most beautiful models, actresses and stars in the world.

Through this documentary, made over the course of two years, we are given unprecedented access to Lagerfeld’s public and private lives, experiencing the flamboyant lifestyle of this iconic figure. As the film shifts fluidly between Paris, the French countryside and New York, we see him designing a dress in private, giving public interviews, on a photographic shoot with Nicole Kidman in his own home.

We see how Lagerfeld carefully manipulates his media image yet the films still allows the audience a glimpse of the man behind the media persona: an intellectual insomniac with a love for literature, film and paintings; a fan of Art Deco and contemporary art; a lover of outlandish aesthetics as well as luxury; and a good man, despite the caustic tongue. A relatively unvarnished examination of his reptilian charm, talent and considerable genius for promotion. - Screen Daily