Fashion legend, icon and muse Karl Lagerfeld has reportedly died, aged 85.
The man behind revered labels Chanel and Fendi passed away on Tuesday, February 18, according to a French media outlet.
It is understood that he suffered from an illness over the past few weeks, with concerns for his health first raised after he was absent from his Chanel couture show in January this year.
At the time, the fashion house claimed the German designer was simply feeling tired, but it was the first time he had missed giving a bow on the catwalk at the end of a Chanel show.
Karl Lagerfeld has passed away aged 85. (Image: Getty)
Known for his signature white hair and dark sunglasses, Karl leaves behind a life-long legacy in the fashion industry.
Taking the helm at Chanel back in 1983, Lagerfeld breathed new life into the fashion house with countless collections that were revered by fashion enthusiasts the world over.
Speaking of taking over the helm of the iconic fashion house, Lagerfeld previously told Madame Figaro magazine: “At that time, I already had a good reputation, I was doing Fendi and Chloe. I had been warned, ‘Do not take Chanel, it’s awful.”
“When I arrived, [Coco Chanel] had been dead for 10 years and everyone lived in the respect of her memory. If you want to kill a house, show [her] respect.”
Always one to take risks, Karl’s signature couture bride at his Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2014-2015 collection was a pregnant model. (Image: Getty)
Karl had a plethora of high-profile celebrities who respected his work, including Victoria Beckham. (Image: Getty)
The rest, as they say was history – he was even behind the iconic interlocked ‘CC’ emblem which remains symbolic of the House of Chanel today.
In recent years, Karl collaborated with fashion industry giants including H&M, as well as designing collections for his own brand.
WATCH: Karl Lagerfeld talks about his Chanel cruise collection in 2014. Story continues after video…
Tributes have flowed in fast for the 85-year-old as the world learned of his passing.
Fellow designer Donatella Versace shared an image of herself and Karl on Instagram writing: “Karl your genius touched the lives of so many, especially Gianni and I. We will never forget your incredible talent and endless inspiration. We were always learning from you.”
Victoria Beckham also took to the social media platform to share her condolences: “So incredibly sad to hear this. Karl was a genius and always so kind and generous to me both personally and professionally. RIP 💔x vb,” she wrote.
Meanwhile, her husband David Beckham also shared a quote from the legend himself: “‘Evolution is the secret for the next step’ – rest in peace, Karl Lagerfeld ❤,” Beckham penned.
Karl also leaves behind his adored cat Choupette, who was his companion and devotee since 2011.
The designer will be sorely missed by the fashion community as they grieve the loss of one of the most talented creatives the industry has seen.
May he rest in peace.
