01x06 - Episode 6

[bunniefuu]

This series is loosely inspired

by the life of Karl Lagerfeld.

Some of the characters, their intimate

and professional relationships,

their actions and statements,

places, incidents and events,

as well as artistic creations

have been invented or altered

by the authors for dramatic purposes.

In the case

of such invention or alteration,

any similarity to the actual character

or history of any person

is entirely for dramatic purposes

and is not intended to reflect

an actual character or their history.

Oh, my God, it was magic!

I couldn't believe what I was seeing!

I mean--

That was awesome and completely crazy!

-What was that?

-Now you understand.

Yeah, I get it now.

The problem

with Thierry Mugler and his crew

is they don't care about beauty,

or what's wearable.

They are children of the economic crisis.

Rebellious, violent.

It's anarchy. Next to that,

we look like Madame Pompadour

going to her tea party.

How much would it be if we wanted

to put something like that on?

-Three hundred thousand?

-Pssh. At least.

It's absurd. What can we do?

-Hello?

-Let me do a line of haute couture.

What's with that face?

We can't keep up with these new designers.

Hmm.

But it's possible for us

to sidestep competing altogether,

by switching to haute couture.

No, no, I don't make

evening gowns for millionaires.

I dress women like me.

Don't be such a socialist.

You're already dressing the rich.

If we don't act now,

in two years, we're finished.

-No.

-Why don't you answer the phone?

It might be important.

I am your artistic director.

And I'm telling you we have to change,

or we're gonna get trapped.

I will never do haute couture.

I won't change anything.

Pardon, monsieur, he's insisting.

-Another problem at your old apartment.

Slow ride ♪

Take it easy ♪

Slow ride ♪

Take it easy ♪

Every night! Do you realize that?

Do something about this!

Not to worry, Monsieur Perrin.

I'll pay for any damages.

Again with the money!

It's a public building, people live here.

These orgies are done!

Next time I'm calling the police, not you!

Move to the music ♪

We can roll all night ♪

Jacques?

Oooh, slow ride ♪

Jacques?

Where is he?

Hi, Karl.

How are you this morning?

You're in a good mood.

- Oh, no!

Where is he?

Uh maybe at the Palais?

-Or at La Main Jaune.

Or Bains Douches,

or at the Java.

-At 11:00 a.m.?

And you're still here like parasites?

You smashed a dining set.

Everything's fine?

Get out. Now.

-Out! Right now!

Oh, man.

Come on, get moving! Right now! Get out!

Are you his friends?

None of you are able

to take care of him? Hmm?

A bit?

-And you, Karl?

You take care of him?

- He's mad!

-Bonjour.

-Bonjour, Karl.

Bonjour.

Bonjour, Karl.

Bonjour, Karl.

Jeannick, very nice edge work

with the picot.

-Merci beaucoup.

-No, I mean it.

-This is all thanks to you.

-Merci.

-Okay, who's next? Ah, Valerie!

-Madame Aghion.

- She won't do haute couture.

-She told me.

And?

I mean, aren't you in charge here?

- You were fantastic.

-I'm not going anywhere.

So the haute couture will run us how much?

-As long as it pays, who cares?

-Oh, yeah?

Pierre is going to let you?

- I'm here! Open the door for me!

- Not sure.

- Nathalie?

-Let's try.

- Bonjour!

What the hell is going on?

Can you catch me?

We're gonna play "rabbit," okay?

"Rabbit and cat." Let's play right now!

Oh, oh, oh! Hold on just a second here.

No, no, no, but see, see, see!

I'm gonna leap

and then you'll catch, okay?

Oh, my God!

-Oh, my God, oh, my God, oh!

Oh, look! And voilà!

Heil Hitler!

Okay, I'm coming down anyway.

Easy, easy.

- Come on, Jacquesy.

Mm!

Am I punished?

Just do one good thing for yourself.

You keep trying to convince me

you don't have a problem.

When was the last time you weren't drunk

or out of your mind, stoned?

Do you know?

-I don't.

So you're going senile?

You are not my teenager

and I am not your parent.

I just want to help.

You can't carry on like this.

It can hardly go any other way.

Right, Karl?

I could wake up early, stop drinking,

and after what would I What would I do?

Hmm? What would I do?

Try writing yet another novel again?

Just wait around

until I have a conversation with you?

-No, that'd be nice.

-So they hated the film.

But just because you have a single failure

under your belt, you aren't worthless.

No, I know, but I'm great!

I'm dealing with a lot, and what's sad

is I don't know what to do. Okay?

But I'm fine.

I am trying to accept that

I will never be better than I am here,

and as I accept it, the pain will dull.

What do you need me to do for you?

What do I need from you? Huh

Hmm.

What do I need from you?

Take me far away.

Under a coconut tree.

Start over at zero.

Tailor for men in Rio de Janeiro?

I inspire, you go? Hmm?

Or even better, you could teach me.

No, but Seriously now.

I was serious.

It would save me.

Right. I should go.

Diane and Xavier are waiting.

-Those two only drag you to the bottom.

-No.

-Hmm.

-No. They keep me company.

Thank you for the soup.

Monaco!

There's no coconut trees,

but there's sun.

The beach.

Afraid the left will win

and you're trying to avoid taxes?

To get you back on your feet.

It's not totally incompatible.

Karl, you don't even have time

for yourself.

I'm taking you to Monaco.

I'm looking after you.

As you wish.

Scheiße.

Madame Grès.

It's a ghost.

Merci, Jean-Jacques.

Would you bring us tea?

Of course, madame.

The little one from Chez Patou.

Who has come a long way.

And me? Clearly still here.

And, as always, drinking at Raphael's bar.

I work two steps away.

So then? You have my ear.

Well, I would like to thank you

for accepting this meeting,

I'm sure you're very busy.

I was hoping I could ask you,

as president of the Federation of Couture,

if you might co-opt us so that Chloé

can become a house of haute couture.

And why would I do this for you?

You've done nothing but to go on publicly

about how haute couture is a bore.

Only idiots are inflexible.

The industry isn't any different.

It's even worse than before.

And you're still German.

Well, I've brought with me today

a few examples of our work

so that you can see that we already use

fabrics and techniques

present in haute couture.

Gaining the status would just be

a continuation

of the work we're already doing.

As if knowing

how to sew haute couture seams

makes you haute couture.

It's a religion, not a technique.

A quest for perfection.

And you're a lover of fashion.

There used to be 200 houses.

And now there are 20.

I'm bringing you new blood.

Two workshops.

One tailor, one flou. 20 seamstresses.

-All of them full-time--

-35 private shows every year.

Two public fashion shows.

25 models, minimum, per collection.

And after maintaining that pace

for four years, we get the status.

Any deviation and you're out.

I'll be ready.

Is Pierre Bergé gonna bother me

for doing this?

I'll take care of that.

There won't be a problem.

Very well.

Let's take a look

at your dresses, shall we?

But he will.

But he won't.

Who's to say?

It sounds like he understands

what you need, no?

Yeah.

He does have a history

of putting me first.

-Anyway, Monaco

Rich old men and fake aristos.

I need to get the courage to leave him.

I'm just a coward.

My feeling is you wanna be destroyed.

To find out if he'll save you.

Well

You give Karl one last chance

and if he disappoints you, stop.

-Stop hoping and quit.

-And then what? Go where? Hmm?

You'll do something.

You'll figure it out. You're a big boy.

I gotta leave.

You happy with your life?

Well, I'm free.

Yeah.

You're alone.

You know what image I keep of you?

You'd just come back from Saigon

and I went to pick up you and our parents.

You didn't know me, never saw me before.

I waited at the exit of the boat.

And that's when I saw this tiny little man

running towards me with open arms,

shouting, "My sister, my sister!"

That's always how I'll see you.

And it's that joy

that I wanna see in you again.

Would it be possible

for you to sign our coats?

Yes, of course.

So, uh Is this for you?

- Great. Yes.

- For you.

- Merci.

- Right here?

Yeah.

I don't believe it.

-Voilà. I'm running late.

-Merci, merci.

-All right, ciao.

-Ciao.

Bonjour, Thierry.

I don't understand it at all.

They wear Thierry Mugler,

they want that quality,

but they still want me

to sign it.

For your next big collection

you'll have to print your name

over the clothes

and I bet they'll start selling

on their own.

Good idea.

If I lack inspiration, I'll do that.

Jean-Paul. Hold on.

We'll go in together.

Which side are you on?

In life? Whichever side the wind blows.

Always.

-You're not one of those reactionaries?

-We'll find out.

Try and hurry, if you would, please.

Come on, ladies and gentlemen,

take your seats.

Hello, everyone.

So, let's get started.

Uh, we've all got a lot of things to do

so I'll respect our time and move quickly.

First of all, I'd like to propose a ruling

on spending limits for runway events.

I'll remind you that we do fashion,

not pyrotechnic spectaculars

where models use their clothes

to descend from the heavens, et cetera.

-But why not?

Because the spectacle in a fashion show

is supposed to be the garment

and how it's worn,

-not absurd staging.

- All right.

We're willing to talk,

but nobody ever told you

how to do your shows.

Why should we have anything imposed on us?

None of you newcomers are alone.

That's what you all seem

to have great trouble understanding.

We've already heard this before.

You're gonna say that if we weaken you,

the whole of French fashion

will crumble as a result.

Yes, and even fewer people

will make the trip to your shows.

Funny.

I think maybe there were 3,000 folks

and 400 journalists at my last show?

That's fine. I can afford to lose a few.

-Yes. You're two years old.

-You excite. Are you immortal?

- If your shows are outdated,

-then just change your shows.

Does one have to obey tradition,

and those that came before,

if they want a place here?

It's true. If we're outdated,

we don't have the right to order

that they get dragged down with us.

-Merci.

-The question is, "Who should decide?"

And rather than the old guard,

perhaps those who are brave enough

to reinvent French fashion

should have the right

to decide its future.

In any case, me,

I will never be the one to agree

that the old should dictate to the modern.

- Everyone, please, please!

-Bravo!

It's not a battle of the tradition

and the modern.

It's the wise against the fool.

- It's a question of money.

There're a lot I could say about you,

Lagerfeld, but I thought

you were at least practical.

We can talk it out, Pierre.

My door is always open.

-Bonsoir, Geoffrey.

-Bonsoir, monsieur.

Monsieur de Bascher is waiting.

-For how long?

- Ah! All afternoon.

I'm on my way out. Get my jacket?

For you.

I assume we're taking this photo?

-When?

-Very soon.

What's stopping you?

Enough with the doubt.

He's getting impatient, sir.

So sorry. I had a phone call

with American Vogue.

Impossible to interrupt.

Uh, coffee?

No.

I know that we use

the same fabric supplier.

It's impossible for you to spend the money

on shows to look like the ones

by those kids.

What's your angle?

Sit down.

How is Yves doing?

-What's it matter?

-If I understand correctly,

you have convinced the Met in New York

to do a retrospective on Yves' career.

Have I come here to discuss Yves

or Thierry Mugler's little crew?

Yves's not well.

It's knowledge you made public.

He doesn't innovate. He just recycles.

And you put him in the museum

to sanctify him

before we can discover the sad truth.

You made him a god

because you know as well as anyone

it's the prestige

that really allows one to shine on,

even when one has stopped.

It's an interesting theory.

I wanted to offer you a deal.

I want Chloé

to attain the status of haute couture.

-And I would like you to let it happen.

No.

Why would I want this deal?

Because you need me.

Because the young will always rebel.

Because they do not like you.

You can't impose on them anymore.

Because as Yves loses his talent,

you lose more of your power.

And that's why you continue

to yell at our meetings.

Me, I can talk to them.

I can convince all of them

that they will not be stronger without us.

Just as I am convincing you now.

No.

Should they decide to leave the union,

you will have definitely surrendered

your control over them for good.

You want access to haute couture?

Then get them back to the table

to negotiate

and accept the principle of a vote.

During which, you will vote against them.

And you'll let me be?

Hello?

-Hello, it's me.

-Yes?

We need to talk.

-Come over.

-No, my place. It's better.

Uh, no. If you wanna talk, come here.

- Police, open up.

-Police!

- Surprise!

It's your going away to Monaco party!

Whoa! Okay, okay, okay.

How you doing?

Gimme a drink!

Come on, chug it!

Faster!

I adore you!

-Since when do you have parties like this?

-Mine?

-You're only allowed to on the cheek!

-Since when do you party like this?

-You're such an animal!

-It's to give you good vibes!

-No, it's to make you want to stay!

-Beautiful!

-Ah

-Come on, here!

-Okay.

-Help yourself!

-Make sure to take your bump!

-What?

- Wait, wait, wait.

I told you that when I was 12,

I found in the social directory

Diane, Princess of Beauvau, Marquise

of Cra-- Oh, God, look at this face.

And I told my little brother, I told him,

"Her? I'm going to marry her."

-What?

-You're lucky I don't get my dreams!

Well, I do! I charge at my dreams.

You know I do, right?

Well, we've got plenty to do.

Oh! If it isn't the famous Karl Lagerfeld.

What are you doing here,

Monsieur Lagerfeld?

-Nothing.

-Yeah? Great.

Once you're in, you won't want to leave.

Jacques will be happy to see you.

We're celebrating your trip to Monaco.

Ah! Look who showed up!

Hey, Jacques! Your Karl is here!

Hey! Hey!

Karlito!

-Is this a going away party?

-Yeah.

And it's a surprise!

-Can we talk?

-Yeah.

Talk.

I found an apartment.

-Apartment?

-In Monaco.

-Oh!

-A whole floor. Dual entrance.

3230 square feet, all overlooking the sea.

In the same building

as Francis Bacon and Helmut Newton.

-Sounds so chic, can I come?

It just needs a a bit of work

and some furnishings, but it's great.

- Any guestrooms?

-Several, yes.

What's there to do?

Let's go to the casino

and blow all of Karl's cash.

-Come on.

- Gonna be great!

-It's a beautiful place.

-Yeah?

You'll be happy.

You could even go there tomorrow,

help remodel.

And, uh, I'll see you, when I can.

Ah. You-- Mm.

And you'll come over to visit?

Every time I can, yes.

-I will be there, Jacques. I'll come.

-Mm.

It will be good for you to get away.

But just, don't be disappointed,

I've got work to do here.

-I can't leave everyone behind.

-Of course.

Uh

You want something to drink,

or maybe a a line?

Do you want a speed ball?

I got speed ba*ls.

No, you wanna go back home, probably.

So I'll let you go.

-I do have another proposition.

-What?

All right, sell me a dream.

All right, Karl. Go.

-Really sell it to me!

-I want to adopt you.

I'm quite serious.

It would be like an

an official bond between us.

So you'll stop doubting it's real.

What?

Go!

We're the kids

We're the kids ♪

We're the kids in America ♪

We're the kids

We're the kids ♪

Well, this is rich. You're here

-and you still won't do anything--

-Kiss my a*s!

Bonjour.

Bonjour.

Not for me.

Well, personally I believe

haute couture is a great opportunity.

It's what Chloé needs as well.

I'm not involved.

I'm not the majority shareholder.

It's Lenoir who decides,

and he agrees with you, so

If you aren't satisfied, it's because

you're not seeing things clearly.

So that's it?

What you're becoming?

Someone who's trying

to keep your house alive, yes.

Mm.

The very first time

you walked into my office,

I remember you being a mess.

You had come

out of ten years of haute couture.

They'd just explained to you

that you weren't up to it.

The designs you made were clumsy.

You added all these details.

Again and again,

because your ideas were never that strong.

I took you under my wing.

Others saw you as a German with bad taste.

But I could see a young man

brimming with ideas.

I trusted you.

I took one of your dresses.

Then two, then three.

Until finally

I gave my house to you.

And I'm here.

I have fought for you.

I sacrificed a lot. For you.

You didn't, though.

You're using me.

To get back into haute couture

and prove to your bullies

how wrong they were about you. Again.

And how they never

should've made fun of you.

All that.

Eighteen years of working together.

-For that.

-I've given everything to Chloé.

If you had made me partner

like I deserved,

I wouldn't have gone behind your back

for a single thing. Hmm?

But, Karl,

what's most important is is friendship.

What's most important is friendship.

It's trust.

It's love.

Well, regardless

You've gotten your line of haute couture.

You'll be doing this on your own.

So we'll see how it goes.

Hmm.

-Oh, what?

-Ta-da!

Wow.

It's a little burnt, Diane.

I never learned

how to use the saucepan, Jacques.

Fine, but burnt scrambled eggs?

I can't believe it.

Okay.

What's the time?

No clue.

Merci.

Xavier bolted.

Hmm.

And how did things end?

-Well, you threw up.

-Ah.

Good little Jacques.

And you spent the night telling us all

you were an amazing failure.

Don't mention that.

So why say all these things?

I was just spouting nonsense, Diane.

That's it.

If you're unhappy, leave.

But I can't manage.

Why?

-I'm a failure.

-You a*s!

-Oh, oh!

-You're cute, but a pain!

What did you fail?

Not having a job?

No, it's not work,

I don't care about that.

I I really wish I

could've figured it out.

With

With my talent.

You don't use your talent,

what are you gonna do with your life?

Do you hear yourself?

You sound so bourgeois.

Your name is Jacques de Bascher

de Beaumarchais, you know.

You can't make that up.

That kind of success is great

for lower classes.

It's good for the

Karl Lagerfeld.

-The Yves Saint Laurent

that whole bunch of galley sl*ves.

That's why they get things. The châteaus,

the clothes and furniture, to have a past.

But you!

You're amazing. You are.

You don't need to become it.

- What are you doing?

Nothing.

I see you!

-You do?

-Mm-hmm.

I wanna thank you all

for being here.

It's a major victory to have everyone

sitting here at this table,

and it's my hope on this try

we can find a compromise

that'll leave everyone feeling free enough

to continue conducting their business

in solidarity and in concord.

For that I propose

a round-table discussion

so that everyone can express

their grievances

but without interruption.

And then, we'll put it to a vote.

We came back here because,

at least I think,

we're also a part of the fashion world.

But then the last gathering

we had the impression

you thought there were

many different worlds.

Maybe we should have several tables.

Because if one side

are the real couturiers

and the other, us,

the simple, shoddy little makers

who wanna put on a show

If you're not ready

for our spectacular ideas, just say it.

Or we won't get along.

I don't recall anyone referring to you

as "shoddy little makers."

We're young, but we can read

between the lines, Pierre.

So let's try being a little more direct

with each other for a change.

Then you weren't listening to what I said.

- No, I heard you really well.

-But I-- I do try to

oversee this chamber with

-a benevolent and open mind

but the statutes are what they are,

and I'm well aware of that.

Enough of this.

-It's not a statute issue.

-This chamber was created

well before you ever started,

-and to be part of it

-Can't a statute be changed

-to accommodate this?

-there are some rules to respect.

You cling to your privilege

-like mussels on a sea wall.

-It's not about privilege,

-it's respecting the way of things.

I'm absolutely going to indicate it,

as I have the right to.

You know you can't make us do any of that!

-This is the essence of fashion!

-You have a romantic view

Karl?

Karl?

Karl?

We need your vote.

Yes! We did it!

Et tu, Brute?

We both know you were

never going to keep your promise.

You'd rather die.

To keep me from entering haute couture.

Once I had a love and it was a gas ♪

Soon turned out had a heart of glass ♪

Seemed like the real thing

Only to find ♪

Mucho mistrust, love's gone behind ♪

Once I had a love and it was divine ♪

Soon found out I was losing my mind ♪

It seemed like the real thing

But I was so blind ♪

It's fine. The server's coming.

I'm always so stunned by palaces.

They pull out all the stops

but they can't even hire enough waiters

to come and take care of us.

Sorry. I'm starving, I know.

Finally. About time.

-Monsieur.

-Merci.

I regret it already.

-Do you want my frites?

-No, no.

Well.

Here we are.

Where do I know this look?

Ludwig II. Am I right?

Am I right?

Karl Lagerfeld.

Ready-to-wear mercenary.

Jacques

de Bascher.

And that's enough.

So do you come here often?

Um, first time here. Yeah.

I came here on vacation with, um

This need

to give everything a name.

Defining it limits it.

Ah, Oscar Wilde.

Ah!

So you've read Oscar Wilde.

When was the last time

you read anything for pleasure?

Oh

Marilyn Monroe was still alive, I think.

-I'll have to make you a list.

-No.

-No?

-No, no, no.

It's no good. No.

-Spontaneous, as we say back home.

-"Spontaneous?"

-Mm-hmm.

I know we can take the time

to fix everything.

Hmm?

Okay.

- Come on.

-Get off me.

Let it go.

When are we meeting the architect?

Three o'clock.

-Any calls?

-Yes, one.

For you, monsieur.

I wrote the number down.

Pardon me.

-Maison Chloé?

-Rosemarie?

Did you call me?

Yes, sorry. I know I shouldn't bother you

while you're on vacation.

Uh, but

I think rumors are spreading

about your disagreements

with Madame Aghion.

-And?

-It didn't take long at all.

You've already received an offer.

I'll forward you the fax.

Monsieur, if you accept this offer,

I'll go with you.

And I know that

many other seamstresses will follow.

Okay.

Send it.

Chanel is looking

for its new artistic director.

The owners of Chanel

would like to meet you.

Please do not accept any other offer

until you've heard our offer.

See you Monday June 8, 5pm.

Reform Club. London.