Stars’ fond tributes to ‘genius’ who left his stylish mark on 60 years of fashion
TRIBUTES from the world of fashion and beyond flooded in yesterday after the death of Karl Lagerfeld in Paris from pancreatic cancer.
Described as “one of the greatest designers in the history of fashion”, the creative director of French luxury brand Chanel was 85.
With his signature dark sunglasses, starched collars, fingerless leather gloves and white hair worn in a ponytail, the German-born couturier was one of the most distinctive figures in the industry.
Fellow designers, supermodels, pop stars and celebrities flocked to social media to pay homage.
Former Spice Girl-turnedfashion designer Victoria Beckham, 44, led the stars’ tributes.
Masterful
She posted on Instagram: “So incredibly sad to hear this. Karl was a genius and always so kind and generous to me both personally and professionally. RIP x”
British designer Stella McCartney, 47, said it was “a truly sad day”. She added: “A true icon, responsible for so much creative genius.”
Australian singer Kylie Minogue, 50, described Lagerfeld as “unique, masterful, funny and generous”.
Italian fashion star Donatella Versace, 63, referenced her late designer brother who died in 1997, saying Lagerfeld’s “genius touched the lives of so many, especially Gianni and I”. She added: “We will never forget your incredible talent and endless inspiration. We were always learning from you.”
Alongside a photograph of the two embracing, Sir Elton John, 71, recalled Lagerfeld’s “appetite for life”.
Editor-in-chief of British Vogue Edward Enninful, 46, said he was “deeply saddened”. In a statement he wrote of the enduring legacy Lagerfeld will have: “He has exerted an incredible influence over the fashion industry over the past six decades and it goes without saying that the world has lost one of the greatest designers in the history of fashion.”
Supermodel Naomi Campbell, 48, said she had “too many memories” and simply thanked him “for taking the chance on a 16-year-old girl from South London and opening
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my eyes”. German model Claudia Schiffer, 48, described the designer as her “magic dust” and said he “transformed me from a shy German girl into a supermodel”.
Singer Lily Allen, 33, who Lagerfeld picked as the face of Chanel handbags in 2009, remembered the designer as a “genius” who made her “feel like a princess”.
She said: “I never quite understood what you saw in me but I am for ever grateful for the support that you and Chanel have given me over the last 15 years.”
Oscar-winning French actress Marion Cotillard, 43, who regularly wore his stunning creations on the red carpet, thanked the “maestro” adding, “your profound kindness, your curiosity of the world and humanity touched me so deeply”.
Creative
Known as one of the hardest workers in the industry, as well as heading Chanel, he also designed for Italian fur and leather goods fashion brand Fendi and his eponymous label, which he opened in 1984, producing around 15 collections a year.
Lagerfeld, who drew his designs by hand, transformed Chanel’s fortunes following the start of his association with the company.
In an official statement, Chanel said: “It is with deep sadness that the House of Chanel announces the passing of Karl Lagerfeld, creative director for the Chanel Fashion House since 1983.
“An extraordinarily creative individual, Karl Lagerfeld reinvented the brand’s codes created by Gabrielle Chanel.”
His death comes after he missed the Chanel haute couture show in Paris in January.