Karl Lagerfeld Dies at 85 Years Old
Karl Lagerfeld, heralded as one of the most prolific designers of our time, has passed away in Paris according to multiple reports. He was 85 years old. Sources close to Chanel also confirmed his death to The Guardian, who confirmed reports from local French media. The cause of his passing has not yet been confirmed.
Lagerfeld has had a legendary career spanning seven decades as a fashion designer and creative director. He created legacies simultaneously at the house of Chanel, and launched ready-to-wear for celebrated Italian brand Fendi, and created a his own namesake collection.
News of Lagerfeld's death comes after he was noticeably absent from the Chanel haute couture shows in Paris last month. Despite rumors that Lagerfeld was in poor health, the French fashion house said he "was feeling tired" in a statement.
The Hamburg, Germany native began his career in fashion as Pierre Balmain's assistant in 1955, according to People. He found success at Chloé in the mid 1960's, started designing for Fendi in 1965, and took the helm at Chanel in 1983.
When he took the job at Chanel, the brand was reportedly on its way out. "Everybody said, ‘Don’t touch it, it’s dead, it will never come back.’ But by then I thought it was a challenge," he told The New Yorker.
In addition to his designs and sharp humor, Lagerfeld was known for his iconic look: a low ponytail, oversized sunglasses, and a black and white suit. "I am like a caricature of myself, and I like that,” the designer has said, according to The New York Times. “It is like a mask. And for me the Carnival of Venice lasts all year long.”
This post will be updated.
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