Fashion Icon and Boss of Chanel has died early Tuesday morning at the American Hospital after being admitted a day earlier.
Lagerfield who was the creative director of the giant French fashion brand missed label’s Paris Fashion Week show in January. It was the first time he had not spoken to fans at the fashion show since he took over as the fashion house’s creative director in 1983.
The eccentric designer, known for his distinctive white ponytail, black sunglasses, gloves and high starched collars had also worked for Chloe and H&M.
He also worked for LVMH’s Fendi and his eponymous label.
He started his career as an assistant to Pierre Balmain in 1955, joining Chanel in 1983. In addition to his work as a creative director of Chanel and Fendi, Lagerfeld also had his own label under his name.
Many fashion industry heavyweights have paid tribute to Lagerfeld, including Italian designer Donatella Versace who wrote on Instagram: “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.”
A statement from Bernard Arnault, head of the LVMH group, which has more than 70 high end brands including Louis Vuitton, said: “Karl Lagerfeld was a creative genius who helped make Paris the fashion capital of the world and Fendi one of the most innovative Italian houses.
“We owe him a lot: his taste and talent were the most exceptional I have ever known.”
“We loved and admired him deeply. Fashion and culture lose a great inspiration,” he added.