Karl Lagerfeld, fashion icon and Chanel creative director, dies at 85

Karl Lagerfeld, the German-born creative director of Chanel, Fendi, and his eponymous label, died at 85. Known for his signature white ponytail, high-collared shirts, and dark sunglasses, Lagerfeld was a prolific designer who transformed Chanel from a dormant brand into a global powerhouse after joining in 1983. He also revitalized Fendi starting in 1965 and launched collaborations with H&M in 2004 and Chanel's Métiers d'Art in 2003, pioneering accessible luxury. A polymath, he worked as a photographer, designed stage sets, motorcycle helmets, video games, and a cosmetics line inspired by his cat Choupette. He won the Woolmark Prize in 1954, leading to jobs at Balmain, Jean Patou, Chloé, and Krizia. He was close friends with Yves Saint Laurent and collaborated with architects Zaha Hadid and Tadao Ando. His successor at Chanel is Virginie Viard, his longtime right hand. Lagerfeld's estate benefits Choupette. Clara Tosi Pamphili wrote this tribute for Artribune.