Villa Jako

Envision a grand Roman villa, perched majestically on the banks of the Elbe River. This is Villa Jako, a place where fashion history and architectural splendor intertwine. Villa Jako first graced the Hamburg landscape in the 1920s. Architect Walter Baedeker designed it for shipping magnate Herrmann Witte. The villa’s neo-classical Roman architecture is striking. A columned portico and the symmetrical facade of heavy stones evoke a sense of grandeur. The archway entrance is reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe. In the 1990s, Villa Jako became the home of fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld. He renamed it after his former partner, Jacques de Bascher. Lagerfeld, captivated by the villa’s beauty, found its tranquil setting inspiring, yet ultimately distracting. He famously said, “It’s impossible to live on the Elbe. You spend all your time looking out at the river. You end up becoming lazy.” Inside, Lagerfeld collaborated with art conservator Renate Kant and French decorator Andrée Putman. They retained original features like the oak and marble flooring. They also preserved the six-meter-high coffered ceilings, lined with gold leaf. Lagerfeld added ornate brocade fabrics, patterned rugs, and wall hangings to soften the stern stone exterior. The grand living room, spanning the length of the property, reflects this unique blend of old and new. The central atrium, with its impluvium, a sunken Roman water pool, leads to this impressive space. The first floor houses a gallery, library, and arched glass doorways that open onto a landscaped terrace overlooking the Elbe. Imagine Lagerfeld here, gazing at the river, perhaps sketching his next design. He even shot the advertising campaign for his Lagerfeld Jako fragrance on the villa’s columned terrace. Villa Jako also played a role in Lagerfeld’s book, “Ein Deutsches Haus” (A German House). He reflects on the property’s serene surroundings, hinting at both admiration and a touch of restlessness. Today, Villa Jako stands as a testament to Lagerfeld’s unique vision and a reminder of its rich history. This architectural gem, now on Germany’s National Heritage list, continues to captivate with its blend of Romanesque grandeur and modern elegance.