Fashion designer, photographer and industry icon Karl Lagerfeld has passed away in Paris at the age of 85 according to BBC. The Chanel spring-summer 2019 couture show in January did not see Lagerfeld take a bow with the house citing illness. Known for his famous white ponytail, fingerless gloves and black sunglasses, the German designer worked as creative director of Chanel and Fendi until his death.
Earlier in his career, Lagerfeld also held positions at Chloe and Balmain. In 1984, he started an eponymous brand. Lagerfeld also went behind the lens as a photographer for notable publications and brands. He shot Chanel’s spring 2019 advertising campaign featuring styling by long time collaborator Carine Roitfeld. “I design like I breathe,” Lagerfeld has been quoted as saying, “you don’t ask to breathe — it just happens.”
