ME, MYSELF AND I: The latest Karl Lagerfeld Tokidoki figurine is transformable thanks to interchangeable magnetic elements that make it possible to depict the late German designer holding his pet cat Choupette, a book, a mini version of himself — or a birthday cake.
The cake is topped with the number 15, signaling the 15th anniversary of the original collaboration between Lagerfeld and Tokidoki’s chief creative officer Simone Legno. Established in 2005, Tokidoki makes Japanese-inspired collectible figurines.
The numbered dolls — only 250 total are up for grabs — drop on March 6 at select Karl Lagerfeld stores as well as online at Karl.com and Tokidoki.it. They retail for 370 euros, or $400, and come with a certificate of authenticity.
The latest Tokidoki x Karl Lagerfeld figurine comes with interchangeable magnetic elements.
Courtesy of Karl Lagerfeld
The figures are 10 inches tall, and come in black and white, or with a gleaming silver finish that was introduced in 2016.
Lagerfeld, synonymous with dark suits and sunglasses, set off by white shirts and a white ponytail, was fond of caricatures of himself. During his lifetime, the German designer immortalized himself as a Bearbrick; as a biker-jacket-wearing doorstopper, and as fur charms at Fendi.
In 2021, at the height of the metaverse craze, the fashion house that bears his name issued digital version as NFTs.
Legno told WWD his 2009 collaboration with Lagerfeld was, like most things he did, a first.
“It was groundbreaking at the time, as character design was not as widely recognized as an art form as it is now, and the designer toy culture was still relatively underground,” he said. “Typically, characters have big smiles, but I submitted a design featuring a serious expression, which contrasts with the cute cartoon body proportions and overall look.”
For the record, Legno has all 14 of the previous Tokidokis of Lagerfeld displayed in the living room of his home in Los Angeles, along with a framed Tokidoki x Karl Lagerfeld scarf.
Karl Lagerfeld and Simone Legno in 2009.
Courtesy of Karl Lagerfeld