LIGHTS, CAMERA, KARL: Karl Lagerfeld is back in the director’s chair. Later this week, the designer is slated to make a short movie in Paris featuring Keira Knightley to mark the 100th anniversary of the first Chanel fashion boutique, which opened in the seaside town of Deauville, France. It is to be screened in early May when Lagerfeld travels to Singapore to present Chanel’s next cruise collection. Knightley, who fronts advertising for Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle perfume, is to portray the legendary designer in the new film. French actress Clotilde Hemse has been cast as Gabrielle Chanel’s aunt Adrienne.
Lagerfeld said the seaside town — now riddled with neon signs — would be recreated in detailed retro sets. His cast also includes a flock of his favorite models, including Stella Tennant, aspiring actress Tallulah Harlech, model and music producer Caroline De Maigret and some male members of his entourage, including model Brad Kroenig and his son Hudson, who plays a nephew in the film.