But if I have a lot of imagination, I could tell myself whatever I wanted, you know. I handle myself quite well. I'm kind of fascist with myself, you know. There's no discussion. There is an order. You follow it.

In this quote, Karl Lagerfeld reflects on his approach to self-discipline and imagination. He acknowledges the power of his own imagination, suggesting that with it, he can shape his thoughts and perceptions as he wishes. Lagerfeld describes a level of control over himself where he dictates his own behavior, creating a structure for his life that is guided by his personal standards and values. This strong internal direction gives him a sense of autonomy and clarity.

Lagerfeld goes on to describe his mindset as "fascist with myself," implying that he enforces a strict regimen on himself. This statement reflects the discipline he imposes, where there is no room for discussion or deviation from his chosen path. For Lagerfeld, order and structure are essential components of how he maintains focus and achieves success. This rigid approach is not about being oppressive, but about maintaining control over his personal and professional life.

The phrase “there is an order” reinforces Lagerfeld’s belief in the importance of structure, where every aspect of his life follows a prescribed set of rules or guidelines. This personal order acts as a framework within which he can unleash his creativity and imagination. Lagerfeld's ability to combine discipline with his creative vision allowed him to thrive in the world of fashion, constantly pushing boundaries while maintaining control over his work.

Ultimately, Lagerfeld’s quote reflects the idea that imagination and self-discipline are not mutually exclusive. By imposing strict control on himself, he was able to harness his creativity more effectively, ensuring that his work and life remained focused and purposeful. His ability to manage himself with such precision was key to his success as a leading figure in fashion.