In the golden hues of autumn 1973, the second episode of "Becoming Karl
Lagerfeld" unfolds a tale of ambition, rivalry, and the pursuit of artistic
recognition. Karl Lagerfeld, a name destined to become synonymous with fashion,
finds himself at a pivotal crossroads in his career. Invited to meet the
legendary German actress Marlene Dietrich, Lagerfeld is thrust into a world
where style is not just a statement, but a reflection of one's essence.
The episode begins with Lagerfeld's audacious bluff to Francine Crescent, claiming to be designing an outfit for the enigmatic Dietrich. This bold move, driven by his desire to see his work featured in Vogue, sets the stage for a high-stakes game of influence and persuasion. Crescent, intrigued by the prospect of securing Dietrich's elusive presence in Vogue, offers Lagerfeld a tantalizing deal: a five-page spread with the magazine's top photographer, should he succeed.
As Lagerfeld navigates the delicate dance with Dietrich, the cracks in his relationship with Jacques become increasingly apparent. The strain of Lagerfeld's relentless drive for success leaves little room for Jacques' romantic advances, leading to a betrayal that sees Jacques turning to Yves Saint Laurent for solace and companionship.
In a private conversation with Dietrich, Lagerfeld is asked the pivotal question: "Do you have a style?" His response is a testament to his understanding of style as a personal narrative. He enchants Dietrich with designs tailored to her cinematic personas, convincing her that she remains his muse. This charm offensive, however, leaves him empty-handed, save for the audacious act of slipping one of his designs under Dietrich's door.
Meanwhile, Jacques' dalliance with Saint Laurent deepens, creating a complex web of relationships that threaten to undermine Lagerfeld's focus. Jacques' revelation of his night with Saint Laurent, quickly retracted as a joke, adds a layer of tension to their partnership.
The drama escalates when Dietrich, captivated by Lagerfeld's design, requests a more modest look for her "aged body." In a masterful negotiation with Crescent, Lagerfeld secures the entire Vogue feature for Dietrich, despite their disagreement over the outfit's design. Dietrich, intrigued by Lagerfeld's ambition, agrees to help him, with the stipulation that she does not appear as an old woman in disguise.
As Jacques and Saint Laurent's relationship intensifies, Lagerfeld remains oblivious, focusing on his work and the upcoming photoshoot. The tension culminates in a birthday celebration that turns out to be a public display of Lagerfeld's personal and professional triumphs and tribulations.
The photoshoot with Dietrich ends in disappointment when she rejects the "costume" Lagerfeld has designed, leading to a fabricated excuse about payment issues. This setback is a stark reminder of the fragility of Lagerfeld's position in the world of fashion.
The episode concludes with a poignant dinner scene, where Lagerfeld's denial of any relationship with Jacques and his claim of being incapable of love exposes the chasm between his public persona and private life. Jacques' public display of affection with Saint Laurent serves as a final act of defiance, highlighting the complex dynamics of their intertwined lives.