Karl Lagerfeld — the prolific fashion designer, creative director, and photographer — has died in Paris, closing the chapter on one of the most influential careers in modern fashion. Known for his instantly recognisable look and relentless work ethic, Lagerfeld helped shape luxury aesthetics for more than five decades, leaving an indelible mark on couture, ready-to-wear, and visual culture.
A career that reshaped global fashion
Born in Germany and later becoming a towering figure in Parisian fashion, Karl Lagerfeld built a reputation for combining classical tailoring with sharp modernism. His ascent accelerated in the 1960s and 1970s, when he began collaborating with major European houses, quickly earning praise for his technical precision and imaginative flair.
Lagerfeld’s most defining professional chapter began in 1983, when he took over creative leadership at Chanel — a brand many considered dormant at the time. He revitalised its heritage codes, transforming tweed suits, pearls, and the interlocking Cs into contemporary statements that resonated with new generations of consumers.
Alongside Chanel, Lagerfeld also guided Fendi for decades while simultaneously developing his own eponymous label, a rare feat that underscored both his stamina and creative range.
From runway to camera lens
Beyond fashion design, Lagerfeld cultivated a parallel career as a photographer. He regularly shot advertising campaigns and editorial spreads, preferring to control every aspect of visual storytelling around his collections. His photography — often stark, architectural, and meticulously composed — reflected the same discipline and clarity that defined his clothing.
He also embraced publishing, illustration, and set design, treating fashion not as a seasonal product cycle but as a continuous cultural conversation.
An uncompromising creative force
Colleagues frequently described Lagerfeld as demanding, opinionated, and relentlessly productive. He worked at an extraordinary pace, sketching entire collections in hours and overseeing dozens of projects simultaneously. Yet even critics acknowledged his unmatched ability to anticipate shifts in taste and translate them into commercially successful designs.
His signature uniform — black suit, high collar, dark sunglasses, and white ponytail — became a brand in itself, reinforcing his image as both insider and iconoclast.
Legacy beyond luxury
Lagerfeld’s impact extended far beyond catwalks. He helped elevate fashion into a global media spectacle, pioneered high-profile runway productions, and bridged luxury with popular culture long before such crossovers became standard practice.
Today, his legacy lives on in the houses he transformed, the designers he influenced, and the visual language of contemporary luxury — where heritage meets constant reinvention.
Karl Lagerfeld is survived by a body of work that spans continents and generations, reminding the industry that creativity, when pursued without compromise, can redefine an era.
Newshub Editorial in Europe – 19 February 2026
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