Karl Lagerfeld dies in Paris, aged 85

Karl Lagerfeld, one of the world’s most prolific designers, has died in Paris aged 85.

Lagerfeld spent over 30 years as creative director of the French luxury fashion house Chanel; as part of his seven-decade career as one of fashion’s most iconic figures. Chanel, under his direction, produced some of the most seminal moments in fashion over the last three decades – most recently, his SS19 show at Paris Fashion Week, which took place on a sandy beach runway with waves lapping at the edges; and at his FW18/19 show, where bejewelled swim caps with trailing veils took over Instagram feeds everywhere.

Lagerfeld was as well-known for his own signature look as he was for his designs – his dark glasses, starched collars and white hair became as eponymous with high fashion as his name. He was also known for his quick wit and often blunt opinions about life and fashion. He famously said of style:

“A respectable appearance is sufficient to make people more interested in your soul…”

The announcement of his death came after Lagerfeld missed his end-of-show bow at a number of recent Chanel shows, having been unwell for several weeks. The cause of his death is not yet known.

His death precedes Paris Fashion Week, which begins on February 25. The Chanel show is due to kick off the last day of PFW, at 10:30 am on March 5. It is not yet known whether the show will still go ahead.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons