Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic quotes: 'Life is not a beauty contest, some [ugly people] are great'

German-born fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld has died, a source at the French fashion house Chanel said on Tuesday, February 19. Reports say he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

“Today the world lost a giant among men. Karl was so much more than our greatest and most prolific designer—his creative genius was breathtaking and to be his friend was an exceptional gift. Karl was brilliant, he was wicked, he was funny, he was generous beyond measure, and he was deeply kind. I will miss him so very much," editor in chief at Vogue and friend to Lagerfeld Anna Wintour said in an article.

Lagerfeld's fashion career began more than 65 years ago in Paris. He became the creative director at Fendi in 1965 and at Chanel in 1983, as well as the founder of his own line, Karl Lagerfeld, all of which he touched until his final days.

Over the last six decades, Lagerfeld had a way with fashion that attracted celebrities like Princess Caroline of Monaco, Bella Hadid, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Winnie Harlow and more — but he also had a way with words.

He spoke his mind, admitting in his 2013 book "The World According to Karl," "I am like a caricature of myself, and I like that. It is like a mask. And for me the Carnival of Venice lasts all year long."

However, he also made headlines with more controversial quotes like, "Sweatpants are a sign of defeat," and on Pippa Middleton, "She should only show her back."

Read some of Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic quotes in the gallery above and see celebrities' touching tributes below.