Karl Lagerfeld, an iconic exhibition at Hotel de Rome in Berlin

Art and fashion aficionados, take note! An exhibition about Karl Lagerfeld, the legendary stylist who left his mark on an entire generation, is now open in the public spaces of the Hotel de Rome in Berlin. In honour of the one-year anniversary of his death, the building, which is owned by the Rocco Forte group, is presenting 20 new portraits taken by the photographer Daniel Biskup until 20 May 2020.

Karl Lagerfeld exhibition in Berlin

Over the course of several evenings, the photographer immortalised his friend under the dim lights of the city against expressive backdrops. The shoots took place in 2002 as they walked through unusual and quirky locations, like the subway station Rosenthaler Platz, which has since been turned into a background, parking lots, and phone booths—all of which were chosen to call forth the two artists’ originality.

This slightly pixelated photo costs no less than 30 000 €. © Daniel Biskup

The contrast between the extreme sophistication of Karl Lagerfeld and his surroundings is striking. © Daniel Biskup

The special ties between the hotel and Lagerfeld are not solely based on the fact that the artist loved exclusive locations. The five-star hotel was one of his favourite retreats during his trips to the German capital. In 2006, the former headquarters of Dresdner Bank was renovated in the style of a glamorous Italian abode by adopting modern design to suit the building’s historical architecture.

Located in one of Berlin’s most elegant neighbourhoods, Hotel de Rome is home to around 650 pieces of art. © DR