Christopher Parr, is the Editor and Chief Content Creator for…
“The iPod is genius. I have 300.”
— Karl Lagerfeld
Karl Lagerfeld, the legendary fashion designer and creative powerhouse, left behind more than just an iconic legacy in haute couture—he also curated an extraordinary collection of Apple iPods. Now, hundreds of these rare and custom devices are up for auction at Sotheby’s, offering fans and tech enthusiasts alike the chance to own a piece of his digital world.
The auction, which is part of a broader sale of Lagerfeld’s estate, includes over 200 lots showcasing personal artifacts, artistic tools, and collectibles from his life. Among the most unique items are his meticulously curated iPods, which reflect not only his love of music but his penchant for innovation and luxury.
A Collection Unlike Any Other
Lagerfeld’s collection features everything from classic iPods to custom creations, including first-generation iPod Nanos and ultra-luxurious, blinged-out models. Sotheby’s catalog highlights these items as not only technological relics but also expressions of Lagerfeld’s unique taste and lifestyle.
It’s estimated that Lagerfeld owned more than 500 iPods at the time of his passing. He approached the devices as if they were modern-day mixtapes, filling each one with carefully curated playlists of music. According to graphic novelist Warren Ellis, Lagerfeld even employed what he called an “iPod nanny” to digitize his vast music collection and load it onto new devices. This unconventional assistant ensured that his music archive was constantly evolving, feeding his creative process with fresh inspiration.
Ellis once described this habit on his website: “Lagerfeld famously had an ‘iPod nanny’ to digitize his collection for the iPods and to add new music to new devices. This is how he ended up with over 300 of them – he treated them like cassette tapes.”
In a 2004 interview, Karl said his idea of relaxation, a word he seems to dislike, is to lie in his bath listening to his iPod.
“I have some white ones but lots of metallic pinks, blues. I have had every single CD I have downloaded. I enjoy gadgets,” Karl said in 2004. “If I like something I like to have a lot of it. Eccentric? Perhaps I am. But then I know only how I am, not how others are. I never compare, I never compete.”
A Peek Into Lagerfeld’s Digital Lifestyle
While his collection of iPods is undoubtedly fascinating, Lagerfeld’s love for technology didn’t stop there. He was also an avid user of other Apple products, including iPads, which he reportedly used as digital sketchbooks and diaries. However, despite owning multiple iPhones, the designer famously avoided email, preferring the tactile elegance of handwritten letters.
The Broader Sale of a Visionary’s Estate
The iPod auction is just one part of the larger sale of Lagerfeld’s estate, which features a treasure trove of over 200 lots. From furniture and art to personal belongings, the sale offers an intimate glimpse into the private and professional life of one of fashion’s most enigmatic figures. Lagerfeld’s personal effects reflect his distinctive aesthetic—modern, opulent, and unapologetically bold.
This extraordinary auction concludes on January 31, providing a fleeting opportunity to acquire a piece of history that blends technology, music, and fashion. Whether you’re a fan of Lagerfeld’s unparalleled contributions to the fashion world or a tech enthusiast captivated by Apple’s revolutionary devices, this collection has something special for everyone.
A Lasting Legacy
For those participating in the auction, owning one of these devices offers a tangible connection to the mind of a visionary who revolutionized style in every facet of his life.
Christopher Parr, is the Editor and Chief Content Creator for Pursuitist, and a contributing writer to USA Today, Business Insider — and the on-air host of Travel Tuesday on Live at 4 CBS. He is an award-winning luxury marketing veteran, writer, a frequent speaker at luxury and interactive marketing conferences and a pioneer in web publishing. Named a "Top 10 Luxury Travel Blogger” by USA Today, Parr has also been selected as the official winner in Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ list of the “Top 50 Best Luxury Influencers and Bloggers in the World.”