Karl Lagerfeld, the brilliant fashion designer behind Chanel died

The German designer, who was the creative director for Chanel and Fendi, was one of the industry’s most prolific figures and worked up until his death. His signature ponytail and dark glasses made him an instantly recognizable figure around the world. Industry heavyweights, including Italian designer Donatella Versace, issued heartfelt tributes. “Today the world lost a giant among men,” said the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, Anna Wintour.

Concern was sparked about the German couturier’s health after he was absent from the Chanel Haute Couture spring/summer 2019 show in January. The artistic director asked Virginie Viard, director of the creative studio of the house, to represent him and greet the guests because Lagerfeld was “feeling tired”.

Chanel chief executive officer Alain Wertheimer said: