Archival KL by Karl Lagerfeld Late 1980s Belle Époque Pop-Art Ottoman Knit Jacket - Size M (D 40) - Made in Italy
Archival KL by Karl Lagerfeld Late 1980s Belle Époque Pop-Art Ottoman Knit Jacket - Size M (D 40) - Made in Italy
# ARCHIVAL COUTURE
## Provenance & Historical Significance
**MUSEUM GRAIL: ARCHIVAL "KL" BY KARL LAGERFELD LATE 1980s BELLE ÉPOQUE POP-ART JACKET**
An irreplaceable, highly documented monument of global fashion history, personally conceptualized and illustrated by Karl Lagerfeld during the absolute zenith of his independent late 1980s Prêt-à-Porter sovereignty. Sourced for its outstanding textile integrity, this structural short-sleeve jacket represents a rare aesthetic crossover era—showcasing Lagerfeld’s brilliant synthesis of classical French Belle Époque elegance with the vibrant, neo-expressionist pop-art movements sweeping through Milan and Paris. Unlike modern licensed commercial clothing under the brand's contemporary name, this authenticated vintage masterpiece is explicitly "MADE IN ITALY" and features the prestigious, original woven red-and-white "KL by Karl Lagerfeld" satin label. Utilizing a magnificent, heavyweight textured cotton ottoman canvas, the vibrant all-over print functions as a continuous canvas for Lagerfeld's original fashion illustrations. The pictorial narrative seamlessly intertwines romantic Edwardian ladies in corseted cobalt gowns and historical baroque cherubs (putti) with raw, graphic cross-hatching. Framed by iconic, oversized matte black designer dome buttons, this piece is an investment-grade collectible for premier fashion institutions and private curators worldwide.
## Design & Structural Architecture
A spectacular display of structured late 1980s power-tailoring, engineered to frame a bold, graphic 360-degree silhouette.
* **The Illustrated Narrative:** The continuous all-over print showcases Karl Lagerfeld's authentic hand-drawn fashion sketches. The pattern juxtaposes elegant Belle Époque women wearing deep-cut corsetry with classical baroque Putti (cherubs), all defined by sharp, skizzenhafte black ink contours. This artistic juxtaposition subverts European art history into a loud, high-contrast pop-art landscape.
* **The Power-Tailoring Architecture:** Built with integrated, structural shoulder pads that define a sharp, dramatic upper chassis. This structural element provides an uncompromising, powerful silhouette that effortlessly tapers down toward the natural waistline.
* **The Symmetrical Rear Construction:** The rear chassis features a highly disciplined center back seam execution exhibiting superior Italian pattern-matching standards. The complex illustrative layout aligns with millimeter precision, showcasing zero disruption in the multi-tonal pop-art narrative.
## Textile & Material Science
A supreme testament to European luxury tailoring standards executed for the main line of KL by Karl Lagerfeld. The architectural outer shell is constructed from 100% premium heavy-gauge Cotton woven in a robust, horizontal Ottoman/Faille structure. This high-density weave provides immense structural rigidity, allowing the short-sleeve blazer to maintain its sharp, boxy parameters flawlessly. The interior features a integrated full lining crafted from 100% premium fluid Viscose. This high-grade composition ensures complete elimination of static electricity, breathability, and a luxurious, silk-like haptic experience against the skin.
## Curator’s Condition & Transparency Report
* **Classification:** NOS (New Old Stock) / Deadstock Archival Condition (Grade A Vault Quality).
* **Preservation State:** Pristine near-deadstock quality. The heavy cotton ottoman canvas and inner viscose lining retain original factory stiffness and intense dye saturation. Free of fade zones, fabric thinning, or vintage odors.
* **Critical Condition Note:** The second-to-last button on the front placket is missing. However, the original, factory-authentic Karl Lagerfeld replacement button is perfectly intact and freshly attached directly over the internal "Made in Italy" label matrix, allowing for an immediate, flawless restoration by the buyer.
* **Label Archaeology:** 100% verified. Features the pristine, original red-and-white woven "KL by Karl Lagerfeld" satin neck label alongside the flawless inner material, sizing, and production tags confirming strict Italian tailoring heritage.
* **Archival Care:** Meticulously processed utilizing our specialized in-house molecular ozone treatment to guarantee absolute museum-level sterilization and immediate wearable readiness.
## Specifications & Measurements
* **House / Brand:** KL by Karl Lagerfeld (Mainline / Made in Italy) | **Era:** Vintage Late 1980s / Early 1990s Epoch
* **Marked Size:** D 40 / B/F 42 / E 44 / I 46 / GB 14
* **Modern Fit Estimate:** Translates to a modern European Size Medium to Large (EU 38 - 40) depending on the desired architectural drape.
### Flat Measurements (Unstretched & Relaxed)
* **Shoulder-to-Shoulder:** 48 cm / 18.9 "
* **Bust Width (Pit-to-Pit):** 50 cm / 19.7 " *(Will expand safely due to the boxy, structural cut)*
* **Total Length (Back Center to Hem):** 58 cm / 22.8 "
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A Note on Archival Fashion
Please keep in mind that these rare pieces have lived a past life. Minimal signs of wear or a natural patina are entirely normal and part of their unique history.
Care & Condition
I treat every garment with the utmost respect. Each piece is carefully hand-washed, steamed, or ozone-treated so it reaches you in beautiful, ready-to-wear condition. However, due to the age and nature of vintage textiles, a very faint vintage scent may occasionally linger.
Sizing & Fit
To showcase the intended drape and silhouette in our editorial photos, garments that are larger than the model may be subtly pinned. Please never rely on the photos alone for sizing; always use the detailed flat-lay measurements provided in the description to ensure a perfect fit.
Color Accuracy
We strive to capture the true essence of each garment, though slight color variations may occur depending on the lighting and your screen's calibration.
Boutique Policies
To ensure absolute fairness for all of our collectors, we operate strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. We do not accept reservations or higher bids on items that have already been sold. Additionally, as our prices reflect the rarity, authentication, and extensive restoration of each piece, they are strictly non-negotiable. Please take the time to review all measurements and details carefully before securing your piece.
🌍 International Shipping Update & Packaging Regulations
Due to regional Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and packaging waste regulations across the European Union, direct automated checkout has been adjusted for select destinations.
Direct Shipping is fully active for:
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Worldwide: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, and most destinations outside the European Union.
Restricted Direct Checkout:
We currently do not offer automated direct checkout for customers located in Austria, France, Spain, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Portugal (individual direct shipment remains available upon manual request with regulatory surcharges).
📦 How to Order via Mail Forwarding (For Restricted EU Countries):
If your country is currently not supported for direct automated checkout, you can still easily place your order using an independent mail forwarding provider (e.g., ColisExpat, BPM-Lux, or ShipGerman):
Set Up a Forwarding Address:Register with an international forwarding provider of your choice to receive a personal delivery address in one of our directly supported countries (such as Germany).
Place Your Order:Enter the forwarding facility’s address (including your personal suite/client ID) as the Shipping Address at checkout. Use your private home address as the Billing Address.
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