Karl Lagerfeld, On The Road To Memphis

Feature In 1981, the German fashion designer moved into a high-rise in Monaco and furnished his apartment with the playful designs of the Memphis movement, which had emerged in Italy that same year. This iconoclastic interior is on display at the Almine Rech gallery in Monaco, where it has been meticulously recreated.

These pieces were designed by Ettore Sottsass, Michele De Lucchi, Matteo Thun and Marco Zanini. All members of a movement that caused a stir in Milan: Memphis. In 1981, led by Sottsass, they formed a joyful current that embraced form over function and eccentricity over restraint. Their inaugural exhibition, held at the Arc'74 gallery in Milan, made headlines – though it did not boost sales. Fashion editor Anna Piaggi brought her friend Karl to the show, who, enchanted by it, bought everything. That same year, a Socialist president was elected in France, and Lagrefeld had just acquired his Monaco apartment, being close to the princely family, especially Princess Caroline. The decor was a perfect fit.

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