Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld has died, aged 85, in Paris.
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The German designer who was the creative director for Chanel and Fendi was one of the most prolific figures and worked until the day he died. Lagerfeld also designed collections for his own brand and collaborated with high street brand H&M.
Many tributes have been posted by fashion industry stars such as Donatella Versace.
Designer Henry Holland posted a tribute on social media, using one of Lagerfeld’s own quotes.
“To design is to breathe, so if I can’t breathe I’m in trouble” RIP @KarlLagerfeld #karlargerfeld 😥
— henry holland (@henryholland) February 19, 2019
Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council, said: “We are deeply saddened to learn the news of Karl Lagerfeld’s passing today. His unrivalled contribution to the fashion industry changed the way women dress and perceive fashion. He inspired generations of young designers and will continue to do so.”
Karl Otto Lagerfeldt was his original name and he was born in 1933 in pre-war Germany. Lagerfeld changed his name from Lagerfeld as he believed it sounded mre commercial. As a young teenager he emigrated to Paris and became a design assistant for Pierre Balmain before working for Fendi and Chloe in the 1960s. He is best known for his association with Chanel.
Lagerfeld began his long career with Chanel in 1983, a decade after Coco Chanel died. His designs brought new life to Chanel as he added glitz to the prim tweed suits they were first known for. Lagerfeld worked tirelessly, simultaneously churning out collections for LVMH’s Fendi and his own label, up until his death.
Lagerfeld was known for his distinctive look in his later years, regularly wearing dark suits, accessorised with a pony-tail and tinted sunglasses.
Lagerfeld said of his appearance: “I am like a caricature of myself, and I like that.”
