One of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century, Karl Lagerfeld, died Tuesday at the age of 85 in Paris
The German designer is best known for his work as the Creative Director of Chanel, the French luxury fashion house. He was also at the creative helm of Fendi and his eponymous label at the time of his death. Lagerfeld transformed Chanel into a global powerhouse after taking over the management in 1983.
“Today the world lost a giant among men,” Anna Wintour, the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, said in a statement. “His creative genius was breathtaking and to be his friend was an exceptional gift. Karl was brilliant, he was wicked, he was funny, he was generous beyond measure, and he was deeply kind. I will miss him so very much.”
“Thanks to his creative genius, generosity and exceptional intuition, Karl Lagerfeld was ahead of his time, which widely contributed to the House of Chanel’s success throughout the world,” Chanel CEO, Alain Wertheimer said in a statement Tuesday.