Karl Lagerfeld's Passing Sparks an Outpouring of Love and Tributes on Instagram
Many of us woke up today to the sad news that Karl Lagerfeld has died at 85 in Paris. The designer helped define luxury fashion in the 20th and 21st centuries, as creative director of Chanel and Fendi, as well as the founder of his own namesake fashion, beauty, and lifestyle line. Even in his 80s, Lagerfeld designed dozens of collections per year, crafting trends and shunning others. (He famously did not like sweatpants.) WWD reports Chanel issued a statement but did not provide details on Lagerfeld's cause of death.
"It is with deep sadness that the house of Chanel announces the passing of Karl Lagerfeld. A prolific creative mind with endless imagination, Karl Lagerfeld explored many artistic horizons, including photography and short films. The house of Chanel benefited from his talent for all the branding campaigns related to fashion since 1987. Finally, one cannot refer to Karl Lagerfeld without mentioning his innate sense of repartee and self-mockery."
There's no question Lagerfeld was a genius. But still, it's important to note he was not without controversy. In 2013, he was sued by a French association that fights for the rights of curvy women, reports Business Insider, for saying things like, "No one wants to see curvy women on the catwalk." His fatphobic and misogynist comments continued to come under fire as he called Adele a "little too fat." And then there's the Islamophobia. In 2017, he reportedly claimed Muslim immigrants were an "affront to Holocaust victims." Yes, he did have his problematic moments. But as many noted on social media this morning, you can be a very real creative genius and have many faults at the same time. Celebrities and fans took to Instagram this morning to mourn the death of the fashion icon.
Marc Jacobs called Lagerfeld a "great inspiration."
Model Adut Akech Bior thanked the designer for believing in her.
Journalist Suzy Menkes shared a sweet photo of them together in 2018.
Elle editor-in-chief Nina Garcia wrote about how much she'll miss him.
Designer Jeremy Scott is at a "loss for words."
British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful called Lagerfeld one of the "greatest designers."
Naomi Campbell thanked him for taking a chance on her.
Joe Zee said he was "heartbroken."
Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing called him a "legend."
Kim Kardashian West is "honored to have met" him.
Diane Kruger wrote that she is "heartbroken" she wasn't able to see him this week in France.
Claudia Schiffer called the late designer her "magic dust."
Hairstylist Julien d'Ys thanked Lagerfeld (in French) for allowing him to create.
Hairstylist Luigi Murenu calls the late designer an "extraordinary gentleman."
Makeup artist Beau Nelson recalls the time he met Lagerfeld.
Casting director James Scully says he is at a "loss for words," but summed up many of our feelings succinctly.
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