The world of fashion is in mourning. Iconic designer Karl Lagerfeld has died at 85, Chanel has said.
French media reported that the German-born couturier and photographer died in hospital in Paris on Tuesday after being urgently admitted on Monday night.
Largerfeld fueled rumours of ill-health last month after he missed his end-of-show-bow during the Chanel show at Paris Fashion Week in January.
In the last year, he made most of his catwalk appearances jointly with Virginie Viard, which has resulted in talk of a possible succession.
Chanel released a statement after he missed the second show, and said:
“Mr Lagerfeld, artistic director of Chanel, who was feeling tired, asked Virginie Viard, director of the creative studio of the house, to represent him.”
The designer has reportedly been working on his upcoming autumn/winter 2019 collection with Fendi up until the end. The show is set to take place during Milan Fashion Week on February 21.
Best known as creative director of Chanel, a role he has made his own since he was appointed in 1983, he is one of the most celebrated designers of all-time.
The House of Karl Lagerfeld has shared an official statement:
“With deep emotion and sadness, the passing of its creative director, Karl Lagerfeld, on the morning of February 19, 2019, in Paris, France. Pier Paolo Righi, CEO of Karl Lagerfeld, states: “The world has lost an icon. Karl Lagerfeld was a creative genius; he was influential, curious, powerful and passionate. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as one of the greatest designers of our time. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to have known and worked with him, and there are no words to express how much he will be missed.”
The statement further added:
Driven by a phenomenal sense of creativity, Karl was passionate, powerful and intensely curious. In addition to being the creative director of his namesake brand, Karl Lagerfeld was the creative director of both the Chanel and Fendi houses. He further expressed his exceptional talent and artistry through a lifelong passion for photography, publishing, illustration, architecture and interior design. Since its inception, the Karl Lagerfeld brand has strived to convey Karl Lagerfeld’s vision and share his design aesthetic through aspirational, accessible collections. This ethos will continue to remain at the core of the brand.
He was at the forefront of some of the biggest fashion houses in the world, including Fendi, Chanel and his own label. He acted as the creative director of all three until his death today.
No cause of death has been confirmed.
Fendi posted a touching tribute to the designer.
Many in the fashion industry have already started paying tribute to Lagerfeld, including Italian designer Donatella Versace.
