Lagerfeld: Show Tunes by Michel Gaubert

Karl Lagerfeld’s contribution didn’t just extend to a visual treat. Intent on providing a more rounded sensorial experience, he provided us with two soundtracks to his shows. Parisian DJ Michel Gaubert is the man behind the decks for Chanel (and numerous other luxury labels) and we grabbed a few moments with him in NYC to find out more about the two compositions streaming below, and his work in general.

Podium Mix

"For the Moscow event, Chanel had an exhibtion of the Paris-Moscou collection in Podium, a concept store. The idea there was to made a big patchwork from different influenced sounds ranging from Peter and The Wolf, Sunn O))), Stravinsky, Green Day, Shostakovich and Louderback, a little like a walk through Moscow."

Cruise 2010 Soundtrack

"The Venice show soundtrack was made in collaboration with Paris-based 'Something A La Mode' and Karl Lagerfeld's voice here and there. They performed live on the sand of the Lido and we intervened with some beats from Prefuse 73. It was made for the models to have a rhythm to walk and for the audience to feel an electro baroque mood that was both poetic and surreal."

What do you do exactly?

I create sound and musical environments for fashion shows, special

events, exhibitions ,curate compilations for colette

Did you train professionally?

No , I believe in instinct

How and when did you first start working with Karl?

I started to work with Karl in the early 90's and we met while I was a

dj at Le Palace and also a buyer for a record store in Paris.

What role does music play for a catwalk show?

It is a mood enhancer and adds information to what you see, I often

compare it to hair and make-up or accessories.

How does the process of composing music for a show work?

There are no set rules, but every aspect must be considered.

How far in advance do you start talking about the music with the designer?

Anywhere from two months to the day before in the worst cases.

Is it important for you to see the collection before you start?

Not necessarily

What is the most satisfying element of what you do?

When the audience has a good experience

If you weren’t composing music – what would you be doing instead?

Travel around the world for a couple of years and then I'll see, but I

always need to do something so I would be back after three months,

maybe writing, getting people together for special projects, art

direction or something like that.

If you could listen to just one piece of music for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I don't think I could, it sounds like a rock'n'roll suicide, and some people are better at that than me.

10 September 2009 | Fashion