Watch The Day Before

The Day Before is a Sundance Channel documentary series that follows the final 24 hours leading up to some of the most highly-anticipated fashion shows in the world. Each episode centers around a different designer, including Karl Lagerfeld, Sonia Rykiel, and Proenza Schouler, among others.

The episode featuring Karl Lagerfeld takes place in the lead-up to the Chanel Fall/Winter 2009 show in Paris. The episode kicks off with an introduction to Lagerfeld himself, who is shown to be a complex and somewhat enigmatic figure. While many people may know him as the creative director of Chanel, Lagerfeld is also an accomplished photographer and artist in his own right.

We then get a glimpse into the weeks leading up to the show, as Lagerfeld and his team work tirelessly to put the finishing touches on the collection. We see them poring over sketches, selecting fabrics, and overseeing fittings with the models who will eventually walk the runway.

As the day of the show approaches, tensions run high. Lagerfeld is stoic and focused, but there is an undercurrent of anxiety running through the studio. Will everything be ready in time? Will the clothes fit the models perfectly? Will the audience appreciate the collection?

Throughout the episode, we get to know some of the people who are instrumental in making the show happen, including Lagerfeld's right-hand woman, Amanda Harlech, and the head seamstress who oversees the construction of the clothes. We also get a rare glimpse into Lagerfeld's personal life, as he shares insights about his childhood and his creative process.

One of the most interesting aspects of The Day Before is the way it illustrates the complex interplay between fashion, art, and commerce. We see Lagerfeld navigating the delicate balance between creating artistic pieces that reflect his unique vision and designing clothes that will sell well and maintain Chanel's brand identity.

The Day Before is also notable for its star-studded cast of participants, including Mickey Rourke and Kylie Minogue. Rourke is shown visiting Lagerfeld in his studio, where the two discuss the designer's creative process and the role that fashion plays in the cultural zeitgeist. Minogue, on the other hand, is part of the celebrity audience that attends the Chanel show, where she is dressed in one of Lagerfeld's own designs.

Overall, The Day Before is a fascinating and engaging series that provides an intimate look at the world of high-end fashion. While the show is undoubtedly glamorous, it also reveals the immense amount of work and dedication that goes into creating a single collection. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or simply curious about the industry, The Day Before is an illuminating and engaging watch.

The Day Before is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (10 episodes). The series first aired on September 8, 2009.