On July 1, Villa Louveciennes, Karl Lagerfeld’s former home near Paris, was put up for sale. The sale proved “disappointing” given the low number of bidders.
Six years after Karl Lagerfeld’s death, one of the couturier’s last iconic properties has changed hands. On July 1, his country villa in Louveciennes, in the Yvelines department, was sold for €4.685 million at the Paris Chamber of Notaries, just €50,000 above its initial asking price. The identity of the buyer remains confidential and will most likely remain so, as is often the case with this type of private transaction. This 19th-century mansion, once occupied by the poet Leconte de Lisle, was acquired in 2010 by the German fashion designer.
Nestled in the heart of a two-hectare wooded park, the 600 m² building had been completely redesigned by Lagerfeld, who saw it as a haven of peace dedicated to rest, study, and discretion. Although, according to legend, he only spent one night there, he infused the residence with his unique sense of elegance through meticulous renovation and refined design.
While the price achieved remains significant, it seems almost modest compared to another iconic sale in the world of luxury: on July 4 in Paris, Sotheby’s saw the very first Hermès Birkin bag ever designed go for a record $8.6 million. This legendary model, designed 40 years ago and the origin of one of the world’s most sought-after leather goods lines, sparked a fierce battle between nine bidders. After more than ten minutes of bidding, an anonymous Japanese buyer won the historic piece. This comparison shows how, in the world of luxury, rarity and personal history can sometimes tip the scales—even beyond the value of gemstones or fashion.
Read also > What has become of Karl Lagerfeld’s legacy? | Luxus Magazine
Featured Photo: © Courtesy of Chanel
