Karl Lagerfeld, despite having no prior relationship with Heidi Klum, participated in Germany's Next Topmodel. - Karl had no prior acquaintance with Heidi Klum.
In episode 4 of GNTM 2025, it's the men's turn to strut their stuff on the catwalk. With 48 participants, the stakes are high. Stepping into the legendary shoes of Karl Lagerfeld, Creative Director Hun Kim leads the brand, drawing inspiration from the iconic designer. Kim shares, "I've learned a lot from Karl and I often draw on his ideas. It feels like he's still with us. He's our muse, our inspiration."
Remember when Karl Lagerfeld said, "I don't know Heidi Klum. She was never in Paris"? Well, Klum works that quip into the episode's theme, dedicating it to Lagerfeld's fashion. Klum takes his not-so-subtle diss in stride, joking, "Whatever Karl really thought of me – I was and still am a big fan of his work."
Meanwhile, each contestant has their own story to tell. There's Chris from Düsseldorf, whose love for fashion stems from his grandmother's boutique, and Felix S. from Vienna, who rocks the stage as a drag queen in his free time. Samuel, a 23-year-old survivor, shares his harrowing tale of being stabbed and having a meter of intestine removed. With scars to tell the tale, he's a force to be reckoned with.
Blending fashion and personal narratives, the show takes a twist with the arrival of Eva Herzigová, the 51-year-old supermodel famously known as "Miss Wonderbra." Her presence is electrifying, but not everyone's a fan. Gabriel, a participant, opts out of her backstage advice, choosing instead to focus on his runway game. Some contestants see his dismissiveness as rude, while Gabriel defends his actions, explaining his need for time to prepare.
As the performances unfold, Herzigová takes the role of guest juror, critiquing the candidates and sharing tales of her shared history with Karl Lagerfeld. Chatty about her experiences, she recalls working with Lagerfeld on the runway and in photography, creating a vibrant bond between the two.
In the midst of the dramas, tears, and triumphs, the stakes are high. Only half of the 48 participants make it to the next round. Among them are the likes of Jannik, Lian, and Moritz, whom Herzigová adores. Many are eliminated, including Marcel, who opened the fashion show, and Chris, who aspired to be the GNTM champion. But they all stay hopeful, keeping the philosophy of "where one door closes, another opens" in mind.
[1] Enrichment data indicates that Karl Lagerfeld, despite not being directly involved, continues to influence the show through his label and Creative Director Hun Kim. This is shown through the use of Karl Lagerfeld designs in the fashion show and Kim's appearance as a judge alongside Heidi Klum and Eva Herzigová. The enrichment data helped to provide a more nuanced insight into the influence of Karl Lagerfeld in the show and added depth to the story.
Men from various backgrounds draw inspiration from Lagerfeld's legacy, including Kim, who leads the brand as Creative Director. His words resonate strongly, stating, "Karl is our muse, our inspiration, and I often draw on his ideas."
The impact of Lagerfeld extends beyond his direct involvement, inspiring a new generation of designers like Hun Kim. His designs are showcased in the fashion show, ensuring his enduring influence in the world of fashion.
Kim shares a heartfelt moment when he expresses that despite Lagerfeld's not being present physically, his spirit lives on within the brand and inspires everyone, including himself. He believes, "It feels like he's still with us, guiding each of us in our own unique ways."
