Breaking: Karl Lagerfeld dies aged 85
The legendary German fashion designer passed away in Paris after several weeks of ill health.
By Will Stroude
Iconic fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld has died in Paris at the age of 85.
The creative director for Chanel and Fendi was rushed to hospital on Monday night and passed away on Tuesday morning, according to French outlet Paris Match.
He had reportedly been in ill health for several weeks, and missed Chanel’s haute couture show in Paris in January.
Born in Germany in 1933, Lagerfeld began his career in fashion in Paris in the 1950s as an assistant to Pierre Balmain, before rising to greater prominence in the 1970s with his collections for brands Chloé and Fendi.
He joined Chanel in 1983, spending a record 36 years with the brand and working right up until his death.
Renowned for his distinctive white hair, black sunglasses, fingerless gloves, and high collars, Lagerfeld stood as one of the most prominent openly gay designers of the 21st century, and was involved in a long-term public relationship with socialite Jacques de Bascher from the 1970s until his death from AIDS in 1989.
British designer Henry Holland was among those paying tribute on social media. Quoting Lagerfeld, Holland wrote: “To design is to breathe, so if I can’t breathe I’m in trouble” RIP @KarlLagerfeld”
“To design is to breathe, so if I can’t breathe I’m in trouble” RIP @KarlLagerfeld #karlargerfeld 😥
— henry holland (@henryholland) February 19, 2019