Karl Lagerfeld aptly described by queen of fashion Anna Wintour as ‘king among men’ has passed away in Paris at the age of 85 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Lagerfelds’ iconic look is instantly recognizable with his signature ponytailed white hair, tinted sunglasses he wore to even the darkest runways and his love for his cat Choupette. He was best know for his work with Chanel, but was also creative director for Fendi and his own label.
“We have lost a creative genius who helped to make Paris the fashion capital of the world and Fendi one of the most innovative Italian houses,” LVMH chairman and chief executive Bernard Arnault said in a statement.
“We owe him a great deal: his taste and talent were the most exceptional I have ever known.”
Lagerfelds quick rise to fame came after winning the coat category in a design competition in Paris in 1954. He earned the nicknames ‘Kaiser Karl” and “Fashion Mesiter” throwing homage to his German heritage.
He is famous for his often controversial (and humorous) way of looking at the world once saying “sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so your bought some sweat pants”, and famously writing a diet book kicking off with the quote “My only ambition in life, is to wear size 28 jeans”.