Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth, Margot Robbie, Kristen Stewart, Lupita Nyong’o, Lucy Boynton, Frances McDormand, Carey Mulligan, Tessa Thompson, Shailene Woodley, Robin Wright, Michael Keaton, Richard E. Grant, Minnie Driver, Michelle Yeoh and more took to the Beverly Hills Hotel for cocktails, dinner and reminiscing about the late Chanel designer.
Stewart has had a longstanding relationship with Chanel, and had worked with Lagerfeld since she was but 15.
“It’s funny, when something monumental as someone like that passing occurs, people start sending you all these photos — and I obviously remember my relationship with Chanel and when it started, but to see it and sort of walk down that path again was interesting,” she said, fresh from the step and repeat. “I was prepped this evening that ‘they’re going to ask you what was surprising about him that maybe other people wouldn’t know that you did because you got some insight.’ And I was like, ‘He’s so transparent, that’s what’s wild about him.’ He actually really revealed himself and gave himself fully, and that’s why he’s such an impeccable artist. So, yeah, it’s sad, but at the same time you look at that life and you’re like that is what I aspire to in every way.”
VanityFair: Kristen Stewart, Margot Robbie, Miley Cyrus remember Karl Lagerfeld. Chanel and Charles Finch’s annual pre-Oscar dinner became a celebration of the late fashion icon.
“I know that fashion comes along with a lot of presupposed rules,” said Stewart, speaking about her own singular style. “And I was always made to feel like you could break all of those rules, and yet still do something individual and unique. Even though [Chanel] seems like the essential, classic luxury brand, the reason they stay that way is because they do subversive shit, and they genuinely believe in it.”
Her praise came at the end of a difficult week for the 109-year-old fashion house. On Tuesday, longtime Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld died at the age of 85 after battling pancreatic cancer; he is survived by his widely publicized and pampered pet cat, Choupette. The fashion world has been mourning the loss of the design icon, celebrating his prolific collaborations with Chanel—as well as Fendi and his own eponymous label. On Friday, designers, princesses, models, and friends gathered in Paris for a cremation ceremony; the following night, Lagerfeld’s West Coast devotees and Oscar nominees gathered in support, solidarity and celebration.
“There are some people that could make it so they live forever,” said Stewart Saturday, her voice trailing off for a moment. The actress collected herself. “I didn’t know Karl intimately,” she continued. “I worked with him, and I’m so lucky for that. But through his art and who he was, he will dwell with me in my heart forever, because he was a compulsive and very true artist. I’ve worked with really great people, but he genuinely was such a leader, such a teacher, such a compassionate, endlessly curious motherfucker, even at that age.”
“He actually revealed himself,” added Stewart. “People definitely got the true version of him. He was witty and kind of tongue-in-cheek, but then also always the most observant person in the room. He was aware—knew everyone’s name, and he worked with the people he loved.”
This annual Oscars eve party has historically been held in Madeo, the cozy subterranean Italian watering hole and power dining staple. But a renovation and relocation led the soirée to the historic two dining rooms of the Polo Lounge this year, utilizing a secret side entrance and its courtyard for a cozy round of martinis and French 75s before a meal of Caesar salad, branzino, and cotton candy-topped sundaes.
