How do you photograph a car that has already been portrayed from every angle, stationary and at 301 km/h? Creativity, visions and associations are called for. Karl Lagerfeld has interpreted the Audi R8 in a highly idiosyncratic manner. Enthralled by the sports car’s visual appearance, the designer developed a kaleidoscopic abstraction somewhere between man and metal object. Lagerfeld worked with reflections and the most sought-after male model of the moment, American Brad Kroenig. To the onlooker, viewing many of the photos is like looking into a kaleidoscope.

The designer presented twenty of the black and white images in the Audi Forum New York on 12 May during a special event entitled “Kaleidoscopic Vision of a Car.” The guests from the worlds of business and entertainment had an opportunity to compare the real-life car with its mirror images – and to meet the designer in person. The pictures will be on display for two weeks as part of the photo exhibition at the Audi Forum. 

Lagerfeld shot the R8 in southern France, in Ramatuelle near Saint-Tropez – using three extra-large reflective screens and the very best equipment: “The R8 is a car of today, and it must be photographed using state-of-the art technology.” An artwork calendar containing twelve of the remarkable sports car images is exclusive to Audi R8 customers.