Name:
Caroline (Karo) Lebar
Location:
Paris, France
Profession:
Head of Image & Communications at KARL LAGERFELD
When did you first begin working with Karl Lagerfeld?
I started with Karl in 1985. That was the real beginning of the KARL LAGERFELD company. He wasn’t famous then, but he was already very impressive because he was so charismatic. And I was very shy!
What was a professional highlight of all your years working with Karl?
The H&M collaboration in 2004. The difference from one day to the next was incredible. I was in a store with a journalist for the reveal of the collection to public and it was a huge success — people were literally fighting for the collection. We didn’t expect this indescribable craziness; I called Karl to inform him, and he was also really shocked.
The day after, he needed to go to the 7L (his bookstore in Paris), and people were waiting for him outside of his house! That was the beginning of Karl being not just a fashion designer, but a rockstar. He couldn’t go out by himself anymore. People were really shouting “Karl!” all over the world. The power of H&M was very international.
What would people be surprised to know about Karl?
His kindness. His loyalty. His open-mindedness. How funny he was! And how very, very, very caring he was.
Outside of work you have a unique hobby. When did you first start making tarts?
About eight years ago, when I bought my countryside house. The garden was a huge mess, but within the mess we found lots of fruits — especially prunes, wild blackberries. They were delicious and very sweet. I was eating them all day long, but there was so much fruit, I felt like we were wasting some of it. So, I bought dough and put the fruit in it, very well organized. When it came out of the oven it was beautiful.
How did it this turn into two cookbooks (“Une tarte pour dimanche” / “A tart for Sunday” and “Une tarte pour Samedi” / “A tart for Saturday”)?
I got a message from Marabout/Hachette, one of the biggest publishers in France, and at first I thought it was a joke! I said, “OK, if it his is true then stop by my office for a meeting.” I couldn’t believe it when they showed up! The first book was translated into Spanish, Italian, German and Dutch. We later did a second book of both savory and sweet tarts.
What is your favorite flavor of tart?
I like all fruit, especially berries. I love almond cream!
What do you enjoy about baking tarts?
It’s all about creative expression. I go early in the morning to the fruit market and when I’m in front of the display I don’t see fruit — I see colors and shapes.
Your tarts are like a piece of art! Do you ever find it difficult to slice (and eat) them?
In fact, I don’t eat the tarts so much! My real pleasure is to create something graphic with a pattern and colors. I take a photo, then it goes on the table, and my husband will test the taste. I don’t think if I am “breaking” the beauty of the tart; my concern is that, after all the effort, that it tastes good; my best reward is a smile on a face!
What’s your favorite thing about living in Paris?
The freedom, the culture, and the beauty of the city.
How do you describe your style?
Not masculine but androgynous. Sleek. Clean. A bit of fantasy together with something strict.
What’s your favorite travel destination and why?
Cap Ferret, near Bordeaux. There’s 40km of beach, with no buildings and big sand dunes. I’ve been going there every summer for 29 years. I’m very loyal!
What advice do you have for someone looking to start a career in fashion?
When starting any job — not just in fashion — be patient, open-minded and ready to do anything. There are a lot of people that are willing to do the job; what will make the difference is your enthusiasm, good will, and professionalism. You need to be ready to work hard to achieve your goals!
What’s your favorite thing about working at KARL LAGERFELD?
TEAM KARL! The people. Everyone is interesting, honest, and true to themselves.