He'd been creative director of Chanel since 1983.
- by
April Glover
Fashion icon and Chanel boss Karl Lagerfeld has died at the age of 85.
The German-born haute couture designer had been at the helm of French brand Chanel since 1983, after the death of founder Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel.
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'It is with deep sadness that the House of CHANEL announces the passing of Karl Lagerfeld, the Creative Director for the CHANEL Fashion House since 1983,' the brand said in a statement on Instagram.
'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 Wertheimer with the creative work for the collections, so that the legacy of Gabrielle Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld can live on.'
Lagerfeld had been battling pancreatic cancer and died on February 19, reports French magazine Closer.