“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.”
As the plates were cleared, Cyrus, Stewart, Thompson and Woodley took to the garden with McDormand, chatting before breaking out into an impromptu song circle.
