The Canadian Fashion Industry Reacts To Karl Lagerfeld’s Passing

The North American fashion world awoke with a bang this morning as the news of Karl Lagerfeld‘s sudden death broke.

The famed Creative Director at the House of Chanel passed away in Paris after a short illness with pancreatic cancer at the age of 85. News started to circulate that Lagerfeld was in poor health after he skipped walking the runway at the Chanel couture show in January.

Karl Lagerfeld was born in 1933 in Hamburg, Germany and was an integral part of the fashion world from the very beginning of his career as Pierre Balmain’s assistant in 1955. With credits to his name at highly revered houses like Chloe and Fendi, his most notable work began when he became part of the Chanel family in 1983. Karl later grew to international success and recognition for his numerous talents as a designer, photographer, author and artist.

As we in Canada heard the news of Karl Lagerfeld’s passing, reactions started to pour in from influencers, editors, and fashion heavy hitters.

Linda Evangelista

 

View this post on Instagram

 

? Karl… Great love of my life. ?@karllagerfeld @chanelofficial ???????????????????????????????????#karllagerfeld @jeanpaulgoudeofficial

A post shared by Linda Evangelista (@lindaevangelista) on Feb 19, 2019 at 4:39am PST

Noreen Flanagan

 

View this post on Instagram

 

While everyone was watching @pharrell and @katyperry perform “Feels” at a party for the launch of the Gabrielle fragrance, I snapped this shot of Karl Lagerfeld taking in the scene. The next pic is me shamelessly photobombing my way into the shot.

A post shared by Noreen Flanagan (@noreen_flanagan) on Feb 19, 2019 at 7:02am PST

Beckerman Blog

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Karl, we miss you already!???We will always remember you dancing up a storm in Cuba after your big show! Your magnetic and ever lasting energy gave us all life! It showed through all your phenomenal collections. We had many fun trips with you to (Paris, Cuba, Grasse and Dubai etc…) How you created so many incredible and original collections from scratch every season, was completely astonishing! You were a true genius, a master at your craft. You are an amazing soul and we love you and miss you dearly! The world has lost an icon and true inventor. You loved how we dressed up our pup as #KarlLagerwoof (So swipe through) Dance away Karl and sending love and light to your family and to the fashion industry today. @karllagerfeld @chanelofficial @fendi @choupettesdiary ???#beckermansxchanel #rip #karllagerfeld

A post shared by Cailli Beckerman Sam Beckerman (@beckermanblog) on Feb 19, 2019 at 5:46am PST

Joe Zee

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Karl, you are the brilliant, funny, creative, gracious soul I will always remember from this insane fashion world. I am honored that I have sat at hundreds of your shows (Great Wall of China!), honored to have styled for you (Beijing Olympics!) and most of all honored that I was there with you last year documenting one of your last Couture shows for my @netflix series. Heartbroken but we are all better having been given your greatness. RIP Karl ?

A post shared by Joe Zee (@mrjoezee) on Feb 19, 2019 at 5:25am PST

Jake Rosenberg

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Captured after the first fashion show I was lucky enough to attend. A true legend. RIP Karl … #Paris

A post shared by Jake Rosenberg (@jakerosenberg) on Feb 19, 2019 at 7:03am PST

Joanna Hillman

 

View this post on Instagram

 

End of an era. RIP ? Karl

A post shared by Joanna Hillman (@joannahillman) on Feb 19, 2019 at 6:35am PST

Vanessa Craft

 

View this post on Instagram

 

He never looked to the past and focussed solely on the future. One of the most iconic and prolific designers the world has ever known. What a beautiful artistic legacy. Thank you. RIP Karl Lagerfeld. #fashion

A post shared by Vanessa Craft (@vanessacraft) on Feb 19, 2019 at 4:53am PST

Natasha Koifman

 

View this post on Instagram

 

“Fashion is a language that creates itself in clothes to interpret reality.” Terribly sad to read the news this morning that legendary fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld has passed away at the age of 85. Lagerfeld’s career in the world of fashion spanned over 60 years. He helped shape iconic brands Fendi and Chanel where he worked tirelessly up until his death. ? Rest In Peace Mr. Lagerfeld ? . . . . . #KarlLagerfeld #Fashion #Style #Chanel #Fendi #Paris

A post shared by Natasha Koifman (@natashankpr) on Feb 19, 2019 at 4:53am PST

Coco Rocha

 

View this post on Instagram

 

I’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. #karllagerfeld

A post shared by ???? ????? (@cocorocha) on Feb 19, 2019 at 5:09am PST

Feature Image: Flickr/Christopher William Adach

Articles You Might Be Interested In:
Pharrel Williams Set To Collaborate With Chanel
How I Afforded A Chanel Bag On A Budget
9 Iconic Luxury Accessories You Can Buy for Under $500
7 Tips for Shopping at Luxury Stores
6 Classic Designer Items Worth the Splurge