SÉBASTIEN JONDEAU -
PRODUCT CONSULTANT AND MENSWEAR AMBASSADOR
For over 20 years, Sebastien worked with Karl Lagerfeld in a role described as “a bit of everything: bodyguard, personal assistant, private secretary and day-to-day support.” Sebastien first met the designer in the early ‘90s and, over time, grew to become a trusted aid and confidant. He travelled the world by Karl’s side and accompanied him to every fashion show, photoshoot, fitting and event. Today, Sebastien continues his close relationship with the brand as a Product Consultant and Menswear Ambassador.
“I have so many memories of the amazing places we went together, but the truth is, the best moments I spent with Karl were when it was just the two of us,” Sebastien explains. “Those little moments in Saint-Tropez, having a drink together at Sénéquier, or even Christmas dinner. We’d eat like we always did, watch some TV, talk about this, that and the other.”
Can you tell us about the first time you met Karl?
The first time I met Karl I was just a teenager, working a summer job. I didn’t even know who he was! I was working for a moving company and asked to deliver furniture to Karl’s house. I remember arriving at a place in Paris that looked like the Palace of Versailles, and the man there was pleasant and very kind.
When you met Karl, you came from a very different world than he did. What do you think he saw in you, and why did he invite you into his world?
Opposites attract to a certain extent. I think he saw that I was friendly, polite, serious … that I had the best of intentions and I was a good person. That despite myself, I asked a lot of questions, about all kinds of things. I had a thirst for knowledge and he was a fountain of it — he had so much to give. I think all that combined led him to believe in me and bring me onto his team.
Perhaps he wanted to guide someone who was rough around the edges but had a good heart, and I think he saw me for who I was: I was honest and determined with whatever I took on.
Do you know how to surf or e-surf?
Of course, I do. I learned how to surf in Biarritz. But I’m much better at e-surfing. Surfing is a very tough sport – you have to chase after the waves and practice every day to be able to enjoy it. You need to struggle and it’s a very difficult, technical sport.
What do you like best about e-surfing?
What’s cool about e-surfing is that you don’t need to row out to the waves. Also, thanks to the engine, you can surf without waves, so even in lakes or on the sea.
How do you dress for beach days?
When I go to the beach, I wear a very simple outfit: a KARL LAGERFELD T-shirt, board shorts and, most of the time, I’m barefoot.
How did your relationship evolve over the years?
The relationship evolved tremendously. When I started working for Karl, we weren’t that close initially. I started out as his bodyguard, I drove him around at times, I delivered his mail here and there … I was a jack of all trades.
Karl believed in me and had already known me for a few years, though it took some time to become truly close. I was spending 24 hours a day with him, so we had to be, for better or for worse! It’s a good thing we worked so well together, though, because I truly spent all my time with him. I ate lunch with him, dinner with him, I slept here and there when I could. I was never far, always by his side. So much so that sometimes if we didn’t see eye to eye on a topic, then we didn’t speak for a whole day. Then we’d get over it — a bit like family!
Driver, bodyguard, personal assistant — what was your day-to-day schedule like with Karl?
The schedule depended on where we were. On a typical day, Karl liked to work from home in the mornings, which meant I could workout, get organized and coordinate travel plans. After that, things were different every day. We could do lunch; go to the Maison KARL LAGERFELD for a fitting; go shopping at the Galignani bookstore or Colette if we were in Paris; head to Chanel for another fitting; or be on set for a photoshoot, since Karl was also a photographer. Sometimes we could spend all night at a shoot, or have to get on a plane to Rome. No day was the same but there was a rhythm to it, a cycle, perhaps over months or seasons.
What’s your favorite memory of Karl?
I have so many memories of the amazing places we went, but the truth is, the best moments I spent with Karl were when it was just the two of us. Those little moments in Saint-Tropez, having a drink together at Sénéquier, or even Christmas dinner. He wasn’t big on Christmas so every Christmas Eve, we’d have dinner just the two of us. It was a dinner like any other though, since we ate together every night. Not many people can say that, and I may be one of the only people on earth who’s had dinner with Karl on Christmas Eve! We’d eat like we always did, watch some TV, talk about this, that and the other. Then Karl would go to bed, and I’d go see my family to celebrate a bit and that’s it. (We didn’t really celebrate Christmas either, so it worked out well!)
What’s something that people would be surprised to know about you?
That I’m a new dad! It might come as a surprise, as I’ve spent much of my life focusing on work. I’m also a pretty sensitive guy, if you can believe it, but nothing could have prepared me for navigating this. I can confirm that motherhood is truly the hardest job in the world! I’m in awe.
You traveled the world with Karl. Where’s your favorite place you visited?
I think the most unbelievable was when we organized a show on the Great Wall of China. That was just out of this world, it was like walking on the moon! It was magical.
10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ST BART BY SJ
KARL LAGERFELD presents SS21 menswear collection, as styled by Sébastien Jondeau.
During the campaign shooting in St-Barts, we’ve asked Karl Lagerfeld’s menswear ambassador to answer a few questions about his beloved island.
Your relationship with the Maison continues in your role as Brand Ambassador and Product Consultant. What does this involve?
My relationship with the Maison is really like family, and I’m so glad they’ve given me the opportunity to remain a part of it. Representing the brand as an Ambassador is something I’m really proud of, and it’s given me the chance to honor Karl’s memory in a way. My more recent role as Product Consultant is a wonderful opportunity. To be able to sketch and work with Hun on the athleisure collection is incredible.
Your collaborations with the Maison have been strongly focused on sports — boxing, surfing, etc. Why is fitness such a big part of your life?
Where I come from, there aren’t a lot of opportunities. Often sport is one of the few pathways to a better life, to get out of that environment. So that’s how it started, and it’s always been a big part of my life, whether it be motocross, boxing, cycling, BMX or skateboarding.
Often more extreme sports it seems...
Yes, I’ve always leaned toward more extreme sports. I think I have a constant need to test my limits physically. It’s also a great mental release — it’s been my therapy!
As Product Consultant, where do you find your inspiration for the Athleisure line?
The collections are often inspired by sports I’ve already participated in, but if not, I’ll start by doing some research to understand what it entails and what’s needed for certain movements. I’m also inspired by streetstyle trends, and then blend the two together. It’s a balance between the technical aspects of the cuts, compositions and special details with a nod to the sport that’s inspired us, all seen through a youthful streetwear lens.
When working on a new collection, how do you collaborate with Hun Kim, the Design Director of KARL LAGERFELD?
Hun is such a wonderful person to get to work with. He has an ease about him that’s almost like being with an old friend, and he’s always open to others’ thoughts. Working with him and his team, and having them take my ideas into account, is unbelievable. After they share mood boards, I develop the theme with my experience, ideas, vision and background in sports.
In 2021 you published a memoir, Ca va, cher Karl? What can you tell us about the book?
It’s an honor to have the chance to tell my story. I wanted to share, for whoever needed to hear it, that a story like mine is possible. A kid from nowhere discovering a whole new world, so they can dream and know that anything is possible. At the same time I wanted to show people what Karl was really like deep down and how he treated people like me.
It was announced that Academy Award-winning actor Jared Leto will play Karl in an upcoming movie. What are your thoughts on the movie?
It hasn’t really sunk in, but I think Pier, Caroline and I working as Executive Producers with Jared Leto’s team will really allow us to show what Karl was truly like. Jared is such a talented, multifaceted actor. The range of characters he can take on is astonishing. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that I can see a little similarity between him and Karl!
Tell us something we don’t know about you!
Ha! That’s a good question because I’ve said a lot of things over the years! I can be really grumpy in the mornings — even Karl would joke to people, “Don’t call him before noon!”