Karl Otto Lagerfeld, the iconic fashion designer and the creative director of Chanel, passed away on Tuesday after prolonged illness. He was 85 years old.
Lagerfeld took over the French luxury fashion house Chanel in 1983, over a decade after Coco Chanel died. He was also the creative director of Fendi, the well known Italian fur and leather goods fashion house and he also ran his own eponymous fashion label.
Chanel addressed the death of its creative director Karl Lagerfeld in an official statement, saying,
“It is with deep sadness that the House of Chanel announces the passing of Karl Lagerfeld, the creative director for the Chanel Fashion House since 1983. An extraordinary creative individual, Karl Lagerfeld reinvented the brand’s codes created by Gabrielle Chanel: the Chanel jacket and suit, the little black dress, the precious tweeds, the two-tone shoes, the quilted handbags, the pearls and costume jewellery.”
Fendi also updated their Instagram page with a picture of the designer with the caption,
“Thank you Karl for the most beautiful journey. With all our love, Your Fendi family”.
An official statement on Lagerfeld’s Instagram account reads,
“The House of KARL LAGERFELD shares, with deep emotion and sadness, the passing of its creative director, Karl Lagerfeld, on February 19, 2019, in Paris, France. He was one of the most influential and celebrated designers of the 21st century and an iconic, universal symbol of style. Driven by a phenomenal sense of creativity, Karl was passionate, powerful and intensely curious. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as one of the greatest designers of our time, and there are no words to express how much he will be missed.”
Even celebrities who worked with him, are also expressing their sorrow over the death of the iconic designer.
Nicole Kidman wrote,
“I’m very much down to earth, just not this earth.” Today the world lost a true icon and innovative designer. RIP Karl Lagerfeld ?
Anne Hathaway wrote,
Lee Radziwill and Karl Lagerfeld: each was a legend, each left a considerable legacy and indelible imprint behind, each brought their own contribution of beauty, artistry, genius and refinement to the world.
#RIP#withrespect#bowbeforegreatness
Victoria Beckham wrote,
“So incredibly sad to hear this. Karl was a genius and always so kind and generous to me both personally and professionally. RIP ?x vb”