A legend in the world of fashion, Karl Lagerfeld one of the biggest icons of the industry who oversees the creative direction of Chanel, Fendi and his namesake label.

A name respected all over the world, there’s very few who do not know of his name and it is with great sadness that we announce Karl Lagerfeld has just passed away at the age of 85 in Paris due to illness.

A man who worked to his last breath, Lagerfeld is a legendary icon who has sat on the helm of Chanel for 36 years and has continued to prove that his creativity knows no limits.

Photo via Instagram @lindaevangelista

From grocery stores to casinos, waterfalls and space stations, each and every Chanel show produced is a show-stopper that headlines Paris fashion week.

Alain Wertheimer, CEO of CHANEL, said: “Thanks to his creative genius, generosity and exceptional intuition, Karl Lagerfeld was ahead of his time, which widely contributed to the House of CHANEL’s success throughout the world. Today, not only have I lost a friend, but we have all lost an extraordinary creative mind to whom I gave carte blanche in the early 1980s to reinvent the brand.”

Chanel has announced that right now, “Virginie Viard, Director of CHANEL’s Fashion Creation Studio and Karl Lagerfeld’s closest collaborator for more than 30 years, has been entrusted by Alain Wertheimerwith the creative work for the collections, so that the legacy of Gabrielle Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld can live on.:

We would like to thank Lagerfeld for all his has done for the world of fashion, arts, beauty and culture.

May you rest in peace.