Nigerians mourn Karl Lagerfeld, iconic Chanel designer

SPOTLIGHT

ICONIC fashion designer, Karl Lagerfeld, has died in Paris following a short illness. The German designer, who was the creative director for Chanel and Fendi, was one of the industry's most prolific figures and worked until his death.

His signature ponytail and dark glasses made him an instantly recognisable figure around the world. Rumours of Lagerfeld's ill health had swirled for several weeks after he missed a number of events, including Chanel's spring/summer show last month. He died on Tuesday morning at age 85 from pancreatic cancer after being admitted to hospital the night before.

Meanwhile, renowned Nigerian fashion designers have taken to social media to express their grief at the death of the pillar of the industry. Fashion designer, Olakunbi Oyelese, founder of April by Kunbi wrote, “RIP to an icon, a true fashion legend. If you’ve never watched a Chanel fashion show please take a few minutes to go on Youtube. I had a class about him in fashion school and honestly was looking forward to meeting him one day. He is a legend, an icon, irreplaceable. Rest In

Peace Karl.”

Popular founder and creative director of Jewelbylisa, Lisa Folawiyo paid her tribute in simple words. She wrote, “Those that truly inspired and made us dream. Genius. Icon. Legend. RIP Karl Lagerfeld.”

Folawiyo creates luxurious and captivating pieces with Ankara and her collections have been showcased in South Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America.

Duro Olowu, a designer mostly known for his love for bright colors and vintage prints wrote, “RIP Karl Lagerfeld. A designer and artist whose talent and prolific output in the 70s and 80s to his eponymous label as well as at Fendi and Chanel represents a very important and evocative place in the fashion industry. RIP.”