Legendary fashion designer and Chanel icon Karl Lagerfeld died at age 85 in Paris, Paris Match magazine reported.
According to the report, Lagerfeld died on Tuesday morning but the cause of his death is currently unknown.
Lagerfeld had missed several fashion shows, including a haute couture show in January and was believed to have been unwell for two weeks before his death.
Early life
Karl Lagerfeld with his recognizable outfit. /AFP Photo
Born in pre-war Germany, Karl Otto Lagerfeldt changed his surname to Lagerfeld and moved to Paris as a teenager in 1955 to start a career as a design assistant for Pierre Balmain. He then worked at Fendi and Chloe in the 1960s.
He began his record-breaking 36-year career with Chanel in 1983 and is believed to have brought new life to the label.
Lagerfeld was reported to be “working 16 hours a day and delighted to do it”, and churning out collections for LVMH's Fendi and his own label up until his death.
Distinctive look
Dark suits, white ponytailed hair, tinted sunglasses, and fingerless gloves: The distinctive look made Lagerfeld very recognizable and was part of his crafted persona.
As the man himself said, “I am like a caricature of myself, and I like that.”
Choupette's Instagram account. /Photo via Instagram.
His cat Choupette was probably the most “trendy cat” on Earth. The designer often brought it to his appearances and even based some designs on the cat. The Instagram account of Choupette set up by Lagerfeld has more than 100,000 followers.
Designer Donatella Versace paid her tribute to Lagerfeld. /Photo via Instagram
Many heavyweights in the fashion industry have paid their tributes to Lagerfeld on social media.
Donatella Versace posted: “Karl your genius touched the lives of so many, especially Gianni and I. We will never forget your incredible talent and endless inspiration. We were always learning from you.”
Victoria Beckham posted: “So incredibly sad to hear this. Karl was a genius and always so kind and generous to me both personally and professionally.”
Victoria Beckham paid her tribute to Lagerfeld. /Photo via Instagram
(CGTN)