Chanel director, Karl Lagerfeld, dies at 85

KARL LAGERFELD: The designer served as creative director of Chanel. Photo: Shutterstock

KARL LAGERFELD, the creative director of French fashion house Chanel, has died aged 85.

The German-born designer, artist, and photographer, headed up the luxury brand since his appointment in 1983.

Lagerfeld had also served as creative director of Italian label Fendi, as well as his own brand, Karl Lagerfeld.

It has not yet been revealed what caused the director’s death, however, media reports suggest he had been admitted to the American Hospital in Paris last night (Monday).

Instantly recognisable by his white hair- often tied back in a ponytail- as well as his love for black sunglasses, fingerless gloves and crisp white shirts, Lagerfeld was widely praised for reinventing Chanel.

During his record 36 years as the brand’s creative director, the designer helped Chanel grow from a small fashion house to a global name, which posted profits of €1.55 billion in 2016.

Lagerfeld was not without his critics, however, causing controversy in 2012 when he appeared to insult singer Adele.

The icon reportedly told one publication: “The thing at the moment is Adele. She is a little too fat, but she has a beautiful face and a divine voice.”

Lagerfeld later recanted, saying: “I’d like to say to Adele that I am your biggest admirer. Sometimes when you take a sentence out of the article it changes the meaning of the thought.”

Famously private about his personal life, Lagerfeld’s best-known companion was his cat, Choupette, a frequent muse for Lagerfeld’s designs and celebrity her own right, complete with an Instagram account.

Karl Lagerfeld was born in Hamburg, Germany, on September 10 1933, and died in Paris on Tuesday February 19, 2019.

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