
Celebrities react to the passing of Chanel designer, Karl Lagerfeld
By Sarah Walker
The fashion world has lost another icon. On Tuesday (Feb. 19), legendary creative director of Chanel Karl Lagerfeld passed away at the age of 85, leaving in his wake many celebrity friends – from Donatella Versace to Diane Kruger and Victoria Beckham – mourning his loss.
Friends of the German designer became worried for him after he failed to appear at the Chanel show during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week in January. Reports say the designer was admitted to the hospital in Paris on Feb. 18, and died the next morning. A couturier to the stars, Karl became friends with many of his A-list clients – and to honour his memory, many took to social media to express their sadness over his passing.
Donatella, who was close with the designer, wrote on Instagram: “Karl your genius touched the lives of so many, especially Gianni and I. We will never forget your incredible talent and endless inspiration. We were always learning from you,” on Instagram.
"So incredibly sad to hear this," Victoria wrote. "Karl was a genius and always so kind and generous to me both personally and professionally."
A number of outlets reported that Diane tried to get to Paris to see Karl before he passed. She shared a heartbreaking message to Instagram: "Karl.....I cannot tell you how much you meant to me and how much I will miss you. I will never forget your kindness towards me, your laughs, your imagination I came to France to see you this week and introduce you to my daughter...I’m heartbroken I was too late Rest In Peace, I adore you."
On Twitter, several other stars shared photos of them meeting the legendary designer. Jessica Simpson even joked that she didn't "even recall him knowing my name, but man did I know his."I don’t even recall him knowing my name, but man did I know his. We have lost a true genius in the fashion world. His designs remain with us forever. RIP #KarlLagerfeld (PS. After baby diet goals ) pic.twitter.com/NX7oPceSC3
— Jessica Simpson (@JessicaSimpson) February 19, 2019
It was such a thrill and a pleasure to have met you, to have worked with you, and to have experienced the amazing times when you would photograph my girls for your beautiful campaigns. There will never be another like you, my dear friend. You will be truly missed @KarlLagerfeldpic.twitter.com/VBuFZU9BmL
— Kris Jenner (@KrisJenner) February 19, 2019
’m sad to hear that the one and only @KarlLagerfeld has passed. He was a giant in my industry and a man who gave me and so many others an abundance of wonderful opportunities and experiences in fashion, art and life. Truly, this is the end to an era. #karllagerfeldpic.twitter.com/LrXAcOVSvb
— Coco Rocha (@cocorocha) February 19, 2019
And Gwyneth Paltrow posted a selfie of her and the ponytail aficionado at a show.
Other stars who mourned the loss of the designer included Penelope Cruz, Naomi Campbell, Winnie Harlow and Alexa Chung.