Jacques de Bascher
Jacques de Bascher was the love in the life of iconic designer, Karl Lagerfeld –who sadly passed away early Tuesday.
Karl who was 85-years-old was known as one of the most celebrated fashion icons of the 20th and 21st centuries. The German designer known for his signature white hair, black sunglasses and 19th-century-style shirt collars –was the creative director of French (Chanel), Italian (Fendi) and eponymous international fashion labels.
Little is known about his very private life, however the legendary designer was romantically associated to Jacques Bascher. He is often described as Karl Lagerfeld’s great love and muse for 18 years.
The Frenchman was born in Saigon on July 8, 1951, to a small aristocratic family. His father had served as a governor in the then-French controlled state.
Jacques had a reputation and was a notorious ‘bad boy’ who seduced worldly Parisians including Karl and Saint Laurent. He was described as Lagerfeld’s partner and lover –although Lagerfeld was quoted as saying they never had sex.
They were linked together for almost two decades before Bascher died from AIDS-related complications.
Thanks to his demeanor and charm he quickly became known among the elite. And, in the 1970s, he was immersed in fashion and gay culture.
During his heyday, Bascher enjoyed having sex with both men and women, and he often spoke about his conquests in public. He often appeared in the social pages of the time, biographers comment he was fascinated by submissive relationships and using sex for power –all of these funded by Karl.
Karl and Jacques remained by each other’s side even though Jacques had many lovers and even during his scandalous affair with Yves Saint Laurent. The two never even shared a home together, however Karl enjoyed of his company and was amused and entertained by Jacques adventures.
Speaking of Jacques, Karl explained “I infinitely loved that boy but I had no physical contact with him. Of course, I was seduced by his physical charm… I’m a total puritan. We couldn’t be further apart. I am a Calvinist toward myself, and totally indulgent toward others.”
“He didn’t dress like anyone; he was ahead of everyone. He made me laugh more than anyone. He was the opposite of me. He was also impossible and despicable. He was perfect. He sparked incredible cases of jealousy.”
Karl was also by his side when he died of AIDS in 1989, aged 38. He was buried alongside Lagerfeld’s mother.
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