Karl Lagerfeld, Iconic Chanel Fashion Designer Passes Away at 85

The Legendary Fashion Designer Gone But Not Forgoten

The news filled with the death of German Fashion Designer Karl Lagerfeld who has been an icon in the fashion industry. 

According to the French media, Lagerfeld admitted to a hospital Monday night and passed away on Tuesday morning. 

Earlier there had been rumors of the fashion designer’s ill health for several weeks after he missed events including last month’s Chanel’s spring/summer show. 

Karl Lagerfeld known for his signature ponytail and dark glasses was born in 1938 Germany according to his website, although most claimed his age to be about five years older. Lagerfeld as a German designer changed his name to Lagerfeld from the name he was born with Karl Otto Legerfeldt. The renowned designer felt the new spelling made his name more commercial. 

As a teen Lagerfeld traveled to Paris and took a job as a design assistant for Pierre Balmain. Then in the 1960s, he began working at Fendi and Chloe. In 1983, he began what would be a long career at French label Chanel that Lagerfeld would be associated with throughout his career. 

Soon after joining the fashion house of Coco Chanel his designs brought a spark to the label known for tweed suits. He continued to be a top name for his own label and LVMH’s Fendi, working until he died, Tuesday. He collaborated with H&M the high street brand that became a common name in fashion. 

Karl Lagerfeld became a recognizable figure worldwide in the fashion industry and known for his fashions worn by models and celebrities. He mentored new emerging designers like Victoria Beckham who commented on his kindness. Lagerfeld as recent as 2015, appeared as a character in Kim Kardasian’s Hollywood smart-phone game. 

Known for his ponytail, leather gloves, and dark suits Karl Lagerfeld fans praised and honored him Tuesday by a woman who modeled his designs and wore them. Among the women, First Lady Melania Trump tweeted; a handdrawn picture of her dressed in Lagerfeld’s design and said, “Today the world lost a creative genius. We will miss you Karl!” The First Lady’s first appearance at the White House she wore a design created by Lagerfeld. 

The other women speaking out to honor Karl Lagerfeld include; models Gigi and Bella Hadid, along with actress Dian Kruger. Fashion CEO Pier Paolo Righi said he was a creative genius. 

Donatella Versace said he was a source of inspiration for her late brother and he touched so many with his genius. Claudia Schiffer compared him to Andy Warhol saying he is irreplaceable. Wintour praised the designer saying he was genius and his creations breathtaking. 

Lagerfeld who once said that he was like a caricature of himself and he liked that traveled in circles with models like Claudia Schiffer and singers like Katy Perry. He favored his cat Choupette doting on the pet who has a large following on-line. Karl Lagerfeld was known for his provocative and scathing comments by speaking out. In one instance, he described sweatpants as what he termed a “sign of defeat”. In another instance, he commented on the migrant crisis and his homeland Germany’s open-door policy.