The Fashion Industry's Most Heartfelt Tributes Following Karl Lagerfeld's Death

Revered, adored and entirely inimitable in the truest sense of the word, Karl Lagerfeld's death at age 85 has the fashion world in mourning following the news. The iconic designer passed away in Paris following weeks of ill health, just two weeks before the Chanel F/W 19 collection is due to show during Paris Fashion Week. Chanel has announced that Lagerfeld's longtime collaborator Virginie Viard will succeed him at the house. 

Arguably the world's most recognizable designer, Lagerfeld's legacy is nothing short of prolific. A man celebrated as a polymath, his creativity was boundless, his energy unbeatable by even the brightest young design talent, and his ability to stay ahead of the pulse in both pop culture and technology has long put many to shame. There are very few who could square up to his vision or knack for jettisoning a trend or key item into the stratosphere—be it a mass-market commercial concept or a high-brow haute couture one—and even fewer who could step up to the bar at Chanel following his long tenure as the creative lead since 1983. 

The tributes to his impeccable body of work, business acumen, generosity of spirit, and sharp wit are now pouring in through publications across the globe (I would recommend reading the Business of Fashion's comprehensive obituary), and here we bring together some of the most heartfelt public posts from industry figures, including editors, stylists, fellow designers, and more.

Many felt like they knew the man behind the sunglasses, such was his omnipresence, power, and candid nature, and his is the kind of name—and signature personal style with the monochrome tailoring, gloves, and powdered hair—that even those completely outside of fashion could instantly distinguish. His loss will be greatly felt, and our condolences go out to those who have worked with, loved, and been close to and inspired by the legend.

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This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK. 

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the editor in chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.

Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.