Here are some pics of Meryl Streep on Saturday at a Women In Film pre-Oscar event. She’s obviously in LA for Oscars Weekend, and she’ll be attending the Oscars as a nominee (her 20th nomination) and as a presenter, so she’s guaranteed some time on stage, during which I expect she’ll probably have some additional political stuff to say. Because she’s a presenter, that also means people will really care about what she’s wearing. On Friday, we discussed the absolutely weird and hilarious “fashion feud” between Meryl Streep and Karl Lagerfeld. Apparently, Meryl’s stylist approached Chanel about customizing a dress for Meryl for the Oscars. Lagerfeld claimed that Meryl went with another designer because Chanel wasn’t going to pay her for wearing Chanel. Lagerfeld called her “cheap.” Meryl’s spokesperson denied the entire thing. Well, the feud is still happening, only Lagerfeld has backed down significantly.
Meryl Streep has lashed out at Karl Lagerfeld for ‘lying and defaming’ her. A row between the actress and the designer blew up after he accused her of being cheap and demanding money to wear one of his dresses to the Oscars. Lagerfeld subsequently admitted in a statement that he was wrong.
‘Chanel engaged in conversations with Ms. Streep’s stylist, on her request, to design a dress for her to wear to the Academy Awards. After an informal conversation, I misunderstood that Ms. Streep may have chosen another designer due to remuneration, which Ms. Streep’s team has confirmed is not the case,’ he said. ‘I regret this controversy and wish Ms. Streep well with her 20th Academy Award nomination.’
However the Florence Foster Jenkins star was far from satisfied with his response.
‘In reference to Mr. Lagerfeld’s ‘statement,’ there is no ‘controversy’: Karl Lagerfeld, a prominent designer, defamed me, my stylist and the illustrious designer whose dress I chose to wear, in an important industry publication,’ she said in her own statement. ‘That publication printed this defamation, unchecked. Subsequently, the story was picked up globally, and continues, globally, to overwhelm my appearance at the Oscars, on the occasion of my record-breaking 20th nomination, and to eclipse this honor in the eyes of the media, my colleagues and the audience. I do not take this lightly, and Mr. Lagerfeld’s generic ‘statement’ of regret for this ‘controversy’ was not an apology. He lied, they printed the lie, and I am still waiting.’
Meryl’s stylist Micaela Erlanger had also shot down accusation, revealing the acting legend had been in talks with a number of fashion houses, and simply decided to go with another option – and that money was never an issue.
‘As a stylist working with a nominee for any major event, it’s industry standard for designers to propose gown ideas and sketches — some custom, some not depending on the occasion. In the case of Chanel’s submission, which was presented with full knowledge that Ms. Streep and I — her stylist — were having conversations with various brands, we were shown sketches of a dress from their most recent couture collection. Although [it was] an exquisite gown from the existing collection, we decided to go in a different direction, with another designer. At no point were there any conversations regarding monetary compensation. Nor were any other brands considered based on their willingness to pay for placement. This is not how my company operates and is very much a practice in conflict with Ms. Streep‘s personal ethics. Any reports or quotes stating otherwise are a complete fabrication.”
Wow, Meryl sounds pissed. I would be too if Karl Lagerfeld was out there, calling me cheap. Then again, I AM cheap, so maybe I would be honored. I think it’s pretty clear what Meryl wants – an explicit apology from both Lagerfeld and Women’s Wear Daily, the outlet which conducted the interview with Lagerfeld. Both WWD and Lagerfeld should give Meryl the apologies she wants. They f–ked up. But… all that being said, I do think Meryl is overreacting just a little bit. Most of us heard the original story and shrugged, or we said “that doesn’t sound like Meryl, it’s probably a misunderstanding.” Still, Lagerfeld lied and he owes her an apology.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
Honestly, I’m still inclined to believe Karl since Erlanger is blatantly lying here. She absolutely does take remuneration from designers, more so than many stylists at her level.
but he did admit what he said wasn’t true.
No, he’s said he misunderstood, and that his information on that comes from Streep’s team. Which in this case would be her stylist, who is here blatantly lying about how she operates.
ah i see!
She should be sacked anyway, she’s doing a terrible job on Meryl.
How do you know that?
I work in the industry, and I know some people who have dealt with her many times.
–
I enjoy your comments Jeesie. I noticed Erlanger used some very precise wording here. She states that money was not discussed and that she does not make her choice based on payment. She never said she does not RECIEVE payment.
Do you really think Meryl Streep is receiving payment in exchange for wearing a dress, though? That was specifically what he said – “we found someone who will pay”. Meryl Streep isn’t a Kate Bosworth, who makes her living primarily as a fashion girl.
It’s not just Bosworth level fashion girls who get paid. Many A-list actresses ask for compensation, often very large amounts. It’s not always the people you’d think either, a lot of celebrities who aren’t exactly known for notable red carpet looks still get paid.
I am aware that there is a lot of pay to play here – and I’m actually not particularly conflicted on it. But I do strongly question whether this is Meryl’s tactic specifically, which is what this is about. Not to mention that Lagerfeld is a pretty spiteful jerk and this seems like a low blow.
No Bridget. Not at all. I was only addressing the Erlanger statement with the “she” referring to herself as the stylist. I thought it was a weak denial. I said nothing about Meryl or Karl or their statements.
See, I thought Erlinger’s statement was pretty direct, but I guess we all interpret things differently. Though if she’s lying, one images that Streep is going to be finding a new stylist after this.
Lord, why do people want to get paid wear something?! Compensation for putting on a fancy dress. Give me a break. Celebrities are beyond ridiculous. What a bunch of narcissistic fools.
Celebrities want to get paid because it’s free advertising and a celebrity’s endorsement, when it’s worn.
As someone who works in marketing/advertising I see nothing wrong with getting paid. Maybe they can donate the money to charity.
Because when one actor gets paid to wear something, every other actor feels like a chump for wearing stuff without being paid.
Remember when celebrities would pick something out of their own closet that day and wear it? Or go out and pay for it themselves? Now anyone who doesn’t get a free dress to wear is roundly mocked as a ‘loser’.
I’m actually inclined to believe Meryl Here because I think this is the year of – “I’m not gonna stand for it”. Ms Streep is now known for a suffragette movie and a carefully worded pro-decency/pro-democracy speech regarding the 45th. If this was “a misunderstanding” I feel she’d back off, but she is Persisting. I like it!
Part of what I find odd is both party’s willingness to completely burn a bridge. If Erlanger was demanding renumeration in exchange for putting Meryl in a Chanel, as noted she isn’t exactly alone in this practice. I’d think twice about working with him if he wasn’t going to be discrete if he gets pissy. And on Erlanger’s part, I don’t think Chanel gets turned down like this often. It’s supposed to be an honor to be dressed by Chanel for an event like this, and she’s not nearly an established enough stylist to try to get a pay for play with them (she’s done good work with Lupita, but the rest of her client list isn’t that fashiony, I think). Now, if the dress is the one I think it is, Meryl dodged a bullet – she does not need gray satin.
Also, am I the only one who goes back to Karl “I don’t know her, she’s never been to Paris” when he makes statements like that?
“Meryl dodged a bullet – she does not need gray satin.” – true, this.
Her royal blue trouser dress tonight is fantastic.
Except that Chanel in a separate statement from Lagerfeldhas confirmed Meryl!s statement.
“on the occasion of my record-breaking 20th nomination”
…girl
Hahaha, that was my reaction too! Like, it’s a remarkable achievement and she should be proud, but girl, no.
It sounds like it was written on her behalf, not by her. I find it hard to believe she would write “my record-breaking.”
My eyes rolled out loud.
Ugh. I know. But I’ve never liked Streep. I mean, I loved her speech about Trump. But I’ve always felt that she is mediocre to bad actress. How she got one nomination, let alone 20, well… it just shows that marketing sells. I don’t like Karl at all, but Streep in my opinion is so over-rated it is painful.
She does seem arrogant to me. At this point everyone in Hollywood treats her as the best actress of all time. Who in that position wouldn’t think her sh*t smells like roses? Karl needs to apologize, but her reaction is over the top as well.
I don’t think Meryl is overreacting. This story came from a respected designer reported by a respected publication. This wasn’t a rumor from the National Enquire that could be quickly dismissed. Karl and WWD carry weight which lead many to believe the story is true and to get so much attention around the World, especially since this happened just before the Oscars. If somebody spread lies about my honesty and integrity I don’t think I could just laugh it off.
Ahahaha, you nailed it, Don’t hit the ducks. That was exactly what jumped out at me too.
Why can’t she be proud of breaking a record? Its not like she’s fabricating the size of her inauguration crowds? Seriously, why shame her pride- it’s a truthful statement.
I read that line and was like Karl prob thinking OK BIHHHHH ….
I read it like that as well LOL (1 part like damn Meryl is cocky, and one part like well hell she should be!)
Exactly. She sounds super over the top here and should have chosen better wording. Very dive-like.
I think it’s time Lagerfeld gets taken down a peg or two, so I support Meryl in what she’s doing. The guy is a vicious pig towards women, let him eat some crow.
I agree. Karl Lagerfeld is a terrible human being and every time I see his name three things come to mind.
1) How he controls, objectifies and abuses his male muses. Remember the Brad Kroenig profile? I wonder if Brad is still having to hide his wife
2) How he loves to police female bodies. Remember “Adele is fat”?
3) How he lives in adjoining mansions alone with only an obese cat as his unpaid companion.
Such a pos.
His cat is obese? Not showing his kitty a lot of love.
The cat is not obese. It’s a fluffy cat with a lot of fur, but she’s not obese – how could she with two nannies that play with her all day long and oversee her diet?
Karl Lagerfeld is certainly a lot of things – decadent, arrogant, judgy, full of himself. But if you hear him talk and think, if you look at his life’s work and the program of his book publishing house, then he is – even with all his faults – still about thrice as interesting as Meryl Streep can ever hope to be.
Careful, Choupette might have grounds for a defamation suit against you….
Fluffy cats really do look much much bigger than they are. My old guy still looks ok to others because he still has enough fluff, but I can feel his vertebrae and know how lightweight he is when I pick him up. I lived with one other fluffy cat years ago and was astonished by how little cat there was underneath all that fur. She looked almost as big as her short-haired sister but was a few pounds lighter (big difference for a cat).
I’m sure Karl wouldn’t let Choupette become obese anyway. He doesn’t do obese. Love it that he hired people to play with her in addition to feeding and litter boxing duties! His relationship with Choupette is an important redeeming virtue for me. He is so obviously owned by a cat, in his usual eccentric way.
Personally I think it is way beyond time Streep was, as well.
She is not the one handing out the awards, she’s the one receiving them from her peers, in a vicious industry, she deserves respect and not to be “taken down a peg” by this kind of petty BS from a vicious fashion troll. You don’t have to like her but she doesn’t deserve to be defamed or “taken down a peg” because someone is jealous of her success.
Her being overrated as an actress and undeserving of that FFJ nomination does NOT give Karl or WWD licence to spread and print lies about her and let it stand.
Also, that “cheap” comment, even if what he alleged was true, is unprofessional is tacky as hell. But then what to expect from a guy who will invite every current famewho to his fashion shows in a desperate attempt to seem ‘young’.
His promotion of fur and mink, etc.
Maybe she found out Karl was a closet Trump supporter and decided to take her business elsewhere? Lol
Shambles, if that had been the case she would have been screaming that from the mountain top. I can’t stand Karl-and he’s ruined Chanel. That said, I think there may be some truth to this on both sides. I look for Erlanger to be fired in a couple weeks.
I’m sorry but when exactly did Karl Lagerfeld transform from being a narcissistic misanthrope to being a credible source of anything? This doesnt seem complicated. He felt slighted that a woman he had erroneously assumed was a lock picked a rival so he made a bitchy comment to make himself feel better. See how quickly the “mighty Karl” backed down. Theres NO WAY Karl Lagerfeld would give even a passive aggressive apology if he thought he had ground.
Anyway, nothing pleases me more than to see this a**hole called out by the last person he would value…an older woman.
I wonder if the stylist, not Meryl was trying to make money here. It’s been known to happen. . .
That’s an excellent point – maybe the stylist is pocketing the money, and Meryl has no clue.
If a stylist is the sole point of contact between the celebrity and the fashion houses it would be difficult for a celebrity to know that the designers are paying for her to wear a particular dress. I don’t think I’ve ever seen pictures of Meryl Streep at a fashion show….
I suspect this may be true and the misunderstanding stemmed from this issue.
Damn. She just murdered him. I love this. 2017: the year women stop taking sh*t from nobody. Whether you like Meryl or not, I cant even express how inspiring this is.
I want her to be the next Bond.
Magnificent Meryl vs Kunty Karl
If she out bitches him, I will be proud but also a little sad. Karl is a petty bitch of epic proportions, but this is what he does – he designs fashion and says catty things with no loyalty to reality. It’s like getting into a fight with a cartoon character, she probably shouldn’t have lowered herself to this level. It shows her ego.
My thoughts exactly. She should have just ignored him. I hope she will now stop giving him attention.
She no longer gives a damn what anyone thinks. I assume there’s also a lot of stuff that’s gone on behind the scenes with him before, and she’s letting him know she’s done. Free Choupette!
Yes. Take no bullying!!
“…because Chanel wasn’t going to pay her for wearing Chanel.”
Karl, show us your receipts!
Also, I don’t think he will apologize. He seems to enjoy controversies.
Lagerfeld may end up giving in and he might apologize to Streep, just like he apologized to Adele for calling her fat a few years ago remember? He will eat humble pie.
His hair bothers me to no end. And his pursed lips.
He is an old man, he probably didn’t hear properly or is maybe showing first signs of dementia. Meryl will never ever wear Chanel from now on.
Tha would explain why Chanel designs are so ugly. Coco is probably tossing and turning in her grave.
I am loving all this bitchiness pre-Oscars
Also, he has long white nose hairs hanging out of his nostrils. Check out the pic above. Ewwww.
I don’t think she’s overreacting; I can see why she’s pursuing this. Everyone is talking about her. But it’s for something so stupid and petty. If you’re going to have her name on your lips, why not highlight her “ground-breaking 20th Oscar nomination”?
I’ve posted this before, I’m pretty sure, but every time I see a photo of Karl Lagerfeld, this image comes to mind:
I think I may have posted this before sometime ago, but every time I see a photo of KL, this image comes to mind:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/74/34/dd/7434dd3995c59884bde2f26e96a58ffe.jpg
I’m getting really tired of taking sh*the. Rather to refreshing to see other women who’ve had enough and are tired of playing nice with *ssholes.
“Most of us heard the original story and shrugged, or we said “that doesn’t sound like Meryl, it’s probably a misunderstanding.” Still, Lagerfeld lied and he owes her an apology.”
But the thing is while most of us at CB have the ability to analyze and decide, November 8th showed that millions of people will believe any old crap.
Well if you ask me none of this should have even happened because Meryl shouldn’t have gotten nominated. I don’t know exactly what went down behind the scenes but it’s not uncommon for a person to get paid to wear a dress. So while I think it’s all a he said, she said story, I do believe something went on behind the scenes though. Otherwise Meryl wouldn’t have reacted the way she did to the story and instead just laughed it off.
However what I do is if the Academy wasn’t busy kissing Meryl’s behind all the time, we wouldn’t even be talking about this stupid little “feud.”
+1 Well said! Can’t stand her, ever since Kramer vs Kramer. I will never, ever, Ever, as long as I live understand the fuss over her. Imo she is not a good actress at all. And now she is so full of herself ‘on the occasion of my 20th nomination’. Lol, bitch take 40 f.cking stadiums worth of seats, ok? You shouldn’t have even gotten one, let alone 20. MADONNA, is a better actress than you. And that is saying something. 🙁
….look, you’ve made it very clear what you think of Meryl as an actress, and I personally agree that she’s vastly overrated and certainly hasn’t deserved any of her Oscar nominations or wins in the last 9 years.
That said, her being overrated does not mean Karl and WWD have the right to defame her and let the lie stand. That is what the post is about. Please learn to separate the two issues.
She isn’t a bad actress by any means, but she isn’t as prolific as she or AMPAS believes her to be. These nominations mean nothing when it comes to talent. It’s about awarding the it girl of the moment. Similar to Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl lucked out in Hollywood and continues to be a darling of the industry. She’ll get nominated for just about anything as long as she shows up in a film. That’s how much AMPAS loves her. It’s unfair because so many other extremely talented actors who have never been nominated. Everyone talks about Leonardo DiCaprio having to wait for his Oscar, but to me he’s overrated as well. What about Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Emily Blunt, Gong Li, Alan Rickman, Steve Buscemi, David Oyelowo, Gael García Bernal ….. I could go on for another hour and list all the great actors who have never won an Oscar or were never even nominated. It’s really unfair, and we all know that its even a bigger challenge for people of color. Meryl is not the only great actress and she should stop being nominated for bad movies.
A spokesperson for Chanel also released a statement which basically confirmed what Meryl and her stylist said. The fact that they were willing to go against their own creative director speaks volumes. So I tend believe Meryl is being honest.
I believe Meryl 100%. Karl is bi*ch, so are the D&G designers.
First World problems. He’s an awful hag and she’s overreacting.
I’m with you. Karl is an arse but I’m doing far more eye-rolling at Meryl’s statement.
I agree with you…!
I didn’t know they got paid to wear the clothes. Does that work for men too? are they given suits and then do shout outs to the designers, but get paid to wear them? how much are we talking here?
So many questions!
I remember stories of last-minute, behind-the-scenes deals at Cannes regarding jewelry. Cate Blanchett is one of the names that comes to mind. It might have been talked about in the Cannes Film Festival documentary aired on the FashionTV channel. They were annoyed at all the press releases about jewelry that come out the second someone like Catherine Deneuve shows up on the screen.
I didn’t know that either. I figured they just got to wear it for free, plus accessories.
I feel like that’s the real story here: Karl just let slip something not known to the general public about how actresses can benefit from award season. I don’t always agree with Lainey, but I thought her comments about this were spot on: having actresses complain about being asked about what they’re wearing takes on a whole different spin knowing they’re paid to wear those dresses.
I don’t think it’s so much about actors benefiting financially as being fair to their advertising partners, at least for super a-listers or pop icons who can land multimillion-dollar campaigns for peddling perfume, etc. For example, designer house ABC pays actor XYZ five million for doing this and then actor XYZ walks the red carpet in another brand for free, giving second brand free coverage and a huge boost. Doesn’t make sense for either the actor or the paying brand.
She is thin skin and a whiner.
Let me guess. A Drumpf fan?
My thoughts exactly. So if she stands up to a bully- the’s “a special snowflake”?? Ms Streep was mis-characterized and degraded by global publication – because she was shopping for a dress? The punishment in no way suits the crime and she has every right to stand up for her character. All of us do- don’t mock her just because she has the right to disagree!
I’m a staunch Hilary supporter but I still agree that Meryl is thin skinned and whiny. Also over entitled and way holier than thou than she needs to be.
He is not a nice person. It’s time not to tolerate people who are not nice and professional.
WTH with those looooong, white nose hairs sticking out of his nose. Don’t his assistants trim those?
LOL smack down!!
Of course, she’s pissed. Everyone is talking about her for the GG speech, now they’re going to talk about how cheap/greedy she is lol. It totally distracted people from the important.
But that said, I don’t think she wrote that statement.
I don’t ever care about her overreacting. She took him DOWN!!
OK, Lagerfeld is a douche and needs to be taken down a peg or 12, but Meryl Streep is acting like a child. DEFAMING?? That’s a legal distinction. If you’re thinking of suing him, just say so, otherwise you sound like a hurt baby.
I rolled my eyes when I read her statement – so self congratulatory – but then I realized she/they (her attorneys) are probably outlining the groundwork for a potential defamation case. The emphasis on her 20th award is probably to show the (first world) extent of harm.
Yup I agree
Petty! I really hope she keeps her trap shut about politics. I want to be entertained not listen to entertainers pontificate about their politics. Sick of it!
Most temotes have a mute button.
So Ronald Reagan was an actor, but he should have stayed out of politics – by that logic? So republicans…just stop talking about Ronald Reagan and stop projecting his hologram onto every RNC stage. Just shut up about him- he had NO RIGHT!!
Oh my, I always find it extremely amusing when an Orange Baby Fists’s fan tries to make it sounds as he/she would only be here for entertainment. So, dear, why don’t you (to use your own words) keep your trap shut? do you have more rights than Meryl Streep?
Fan? Trump? Cant stand the guy! And Ronald Reagan should have stuck to acting.
“listen to entertainers pontificate about their politics” – lol, like the US president?
Karl is a terrible human being, but I suspect the truth lies somewhere in the middle. However, since he was tacky enough to make this public instead of dealing with it privately I suspect Chanel (Kering) is perfectly willing to throw him under the bus since they don’t want the reputation of shit-talking their own clients….especially since this not Karl’s first time being an ass.
*The reason I suspect there is more to this story is that while it is not uncommon for stars to look at several dresses and pick two (one to wear, one for back up), it is uncommon to let a designer go beyond the sketch process and start physically creating a one of a kind dress and then to say “nope.” Plus, as someone stated it has been mentioned on several fashion blogs that her stylist does take money. However, I highly doubt Meryl herself said “I won’t wear this because money”….it is probably a misunderstanding between assistants, stylists, and Chanel.
Just to point out, the second half of your statement only works for the women who can fit into a sample size. Any dress Meryl gets is going to be custom because she’s not sample size, though the one in question actually was one of the dresses from the last Chanel collection with a modified neckline.
Well, considering how awful some of
These outfits are, I would also be wanting
To be payed to wear them, just saying. . .
😏
I feel like this is a prime example of some not well liked (Karl) screwing up, and people gleefully pouncing on him after years of silently withholding their disdain.
Karl always looks like an unhealthy piece of crap and teats women like garbage so he and the brand he represents will always be nothing to me.
Karl has continually been a liar and an elitist when it comes to fashion. He says he was the first to have a white dress on the red carpet when NO it was VALENTINO. He unfriends people for telling the truth.
If Karl can’t provide proof that what he said was true, he should apologize period. No matter how you feel about Meryl it doesn’t mean she’s got to take shit from anyone. Karl needs to concentrate on the fact that the last few seasons from Chanel have not been great and fix that rather than picking on people who clearly can hand him his dry bony ass on a platter.
And as for those who think she’s overrated, you have the right to your opinion. But I will tell you this, you don’t get nominated that many times for being lucky. That’s skill and like it or not, in my opinion, she’s got it.
I’m team Meryl on this one. Don’t leave out the fact that Lagerfeld subtly fat-shamed Streep by saying he might as well just give the dress to her since it is in “her size”. He’s a hateful troll who deserves to be taken down several notches and Meryl Steep has the position and cojones to do it. I loved her statement. She has no f*cks to give. Good for her!