Karl Lagerfeld, the designer and creative director who arguably had more influence on fashion over the last century, died Tuesday in Paris at the age of 85.
Lagerfeld, in typical fashion, worked tirelessly until the end of his life. He just recently was giving direction for Fendi’s upcoming fashion show.
The designer is responsible for resuscitating dusty brands, including Chanel, and launching the careers of dozens of models, such as Cara DeLevigne and Gigi Hadid.
German-born Lagerfeld’s influence is perhaps most palpable at French fashion house Chanel where he has served as creative director since 1983, but his work was palpable at Fendi and his eponymous fashion label. Lagerfeld famously brought back life to French couture house Chanel when he took over as creative director.
Following his death, Chanel announced that Virginie Viard will replace the creative director.
Tributes to Karl poured in from all over the web. Anna Dello Russo, editor at large for Vogue Italia wrote: “Karl Lagerfeld Legend. Rest In Peace. Thank You for inspiring us all with your extraordinary example.”
Claudia Schiffer posted a photo of the two of them writing: “Karl was my magic dust. He transformed me from a shy German girl into a supermodel.”
Known for his black oversized sunglasses and white hair neatly pulled back into a ponytail, Karl was one of the most recognizable figures in fashion. His obsession with his cat, Choupette, was just one of his many endearing quirks.
“Today, not only have I lost a friend,” said Chanel Chief Executive Alain Wertheimer, “but we have all lost an extraordinary creative mind to whom I gave carte blanche in the early 1980s to reinvent the brand.”
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