Karl Lagerfeld Unseen: The Chanel Years, Robert Fairer, Natasha A. Fraser and Elizabeth von Thurn und Taxis

Karl Lagerfeld Unseen: The Chanel Years is a revelatory, behind-the-scenes visual chronicle of Lagerfeld’s legendary tenure at Chanel, as captured by US Vogue’s immersive lens. With 250 unpublished photographs taken between the mid-1990s and 2006, Robert Fairer reveals intimate moments: couture fittings at Rue Cambon, backstage breathlessness before the show, creative tête-à-têtes with stylists and models—all suffused with elegance, energy and artistry. The accompanying texts—by those closest to Lagerfeld—offer illuminating commentary on his meticulous craft, forging a portrait of a visionary whose genius extended far beyond the garments.

This sumptuous 352‑page volume is part art book, part fashion dossier. The photography pulses with couture's rhythm, each image a testament to the collaborative choreography behind iconic runway moments. Whether you're drawn to sartorial heritage or the creative pulse of haute couture, this is an essential visual archive that captures Lagerfeld’s flair for reinvention and Chanel’s timeless allure.

About the Author
Robert Fairer, former exclusive backstage photographer for US Vogue from the mid-1990s onwards, brings an insider’s eye to high fashion. His previous volumes include acclaimed Unseen editions on Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and Marc Jacobs—each a testament to his instinct for capturing creative moments before they unfold on the catwalk.

Natasha A. Fraser is a Luxe journalist and author of Chanel Fashion, provides an insightful introduction tracing Lagerfeld’s transformative vision, while

Elizabeth von Thurn und Taxis is a long-time Vogue style editor and cultural commentator, contributes essays that weave personal anecdotes into the wider tapestry of couture history.

Publication date: 2022
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Pages: 352
ISBN: 9780500024249