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Karl Lagerfeld, Luxury Fashion Icon, passed away in Paris on Tuesday

We honor the soul of fashion and creative mind behind Chanel, who transformed the label, creating it to be the brand it is today. Share

After a short illness, the haute couture legend Karl Lagerfeld passed away this week. Lagerfeld was an astonishing fashion icon and known for his Creative Director position at Chanel for the Chanel Fashion House. His list of accomplishments cannot be summed up in a mere few sentences, rather his success is a remarkable journey, inspiring millions around the world. Lagerfeld was from Germany and emigrated to Paris where he began his creative work for Balmain, Fendi and Chloe. He then began working for Chanel in 1983 where he went on to transform the label into what it is today and eventually went on to create his own line, Karl Lagerfeld.

Karl was known for his signature look of dark shades and ponytail and lived to carry on the endless ideas of Gabrielle Chanel and what she stood for. Lagerfeld can be accredited for the creation of the CHANEL jacket and suit, two-toned shoes, embroidered and quilted handbags, pearls and the little black dress, putting a twist on the traditional Chanel code. Lagerfeld brought new life to Chanel and was always ahead of his time, working tirelessly to embrace Gabrielle’s ideas and leave her mark to inspire the future.

“My job is not to do what she did, but what she would have done. The good thing about Chanel is it is an idea you can adapt to many things.” -Karl Lagerfeld

Rumors spread of his illness for weeks, forcing him to miss several events- Chanel’s Spring/Summer show included. Despite his age, Lagerfeld was restless and attentive and had a lifetime contract with Chanel and Fendi, further proving that he dedicated his life to the future of the luxury fashion industry. We will never forget the lives he touched and the endless inspiration he gave us. His extraordinary legacy lives on.