Karl Lagerfeld, a giant in fashion and luxury passed away

It is with great sadness that the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode has learned of the passing away of Monsieur Karl Lagerfeld.

A giant in fashion and luxury, Karl Lagerfeld knew better than anybody else how to comprehend our world and to connect with unrivalled talent yesteryear’s fashion, today’s fashion and tomorrow’s fashion. His ability to forever renew his perspective, to embrace all the creative dimensions necessary to the spirit of a couture house, all the while magnifying its history made him the outstanding Artistic Director we know. In this way he invented or reinvented: Jean Patou, Chloé, Fendi, Chanel, since Karl Lagerfeld also knew how to surround himself with the most inspiring people and the most unusual talents. He could feel the spirit of the times better than anyone else. His insatiable curiosity led him to open up the worlds of creation and to convey his vision in many fields. Perfume, design, publishing, photography. Each element of his success bears witness to his excellence. A living force, a visionary and a tireless worker, Karl Lagerfeld knew how to read all the signs of change and hereby contributed immensely to transforming the fashion industry while ensuring the nurturing of its most precious and time-honoured asset: Haute Couture. The iconic Karl Lagerfeld will forever more a synonym for contemporary fashion.

« He was a man of incredible creative talent and of boundless prolixity. His encyclopedic culture, his grasp of situations, his unfettered curiosity and his knack of remaining the youngest amongst us have always astounded me. To top it all he was a man of disarming simplicity and humbleness, his generosity was immense. Karl is one of those immortal beings, he will always remain with us »

Ralph Toledano, President – Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode.