Designer

An German haute-couture designer

An artistic director for over half a century, has died.

He was 85.
Lagerfeld, instantly recognisable in his dark suits, pony-tailed white hair and sun glasses,

He was best known for his association with Chanel.

Rumours of Lagerfeld's ill-health had swirled after he missed Chanel's January show in Paris.

We have lost a creative genius.

We owe him a great deal: his taste and talent were the most exceptional I have ever known."

A true craftsman who combined artistic instinct, business acumen and commensurate ego,

He was known for his strikingly visual fashion show displays and extravagant outfits.
Born in Hamburg in 1933, Lagerfeld made his debut with designer Pierre Balmain as an apprentice

before moving on to Patou and Chloe and then Italian brand Fendi.

He gained a rock-star status after he joined Chanel in 1983.

He earned the nicknames "Kaiser Karl" and "Fashion Meister".

We are deeply saddened to learn the news of Karl Lagerfeld’s passing today.

“His unrivalled contribution to the fashion industry changed the way women dress and perceive fashion," Caroline Rush - chief executive of the British Fashion Council - said in a statement.

Lagerfeld died on Tuesday morning after being taken to hospital just outside Paris the night before.
A spokesman for Chanel was not immediately available for comment.