Karl Lagerfeld dies aged 85 from pancreatic cancer

Victoria Beckham has lead a host of tributes to fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, who died in Paris, France, at the age of 85, today.

The German-born designer had been suffering from pancreatic cancer, and passed away on Tuesday after being rushed to hospital, a source said.

The Spice Girl-turned-designer wrote: 'So incredibly sad to hear this. Karl was a genius and always so kind and generous to me both personally and professionally. RIP'. 

The artistic director for Chanel had looked increasingly frail in recent months, and had did not come out to take a bow at the Chanel's couture show in Paris in January, something the company attributed to him being 'too tired'.  

'He hadn't gone on about his illness, but battled it very bravely,' said one source.  'Karl was very proud of his fitness and healthy living, so the pancreatic cancer came as a huge shock.' 

An official statement published on his Instagram said: 'The House of KARL LAGERFELD shares, with deep emotion and sadness, the passing of its creative director, Karl Lagerfeld, on February 19, 2019, in Paris, France. 

'He was one of the most influential and celebrated designers of the 21st century and an iconic, universal symbol of style. Driven by a phenomenal sense of creativity, Karl was passionate, powerful and intensely curious. 

'He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as one of the greatest designers of our time, and there are no words to express how much he will be missed.  

Celebrities and models and designers have flocked to social media to pay tribute to the late designer. 

Donatella Versace was among the first to do so, writing on Instagram: 'Karl your genius touched the lives of so many, especially Gianni [Versace, her brother] and I. We will never forget your incredible talent and endless inspiration. We were always learning from you.'

Fellow designer Marc Jacobs also paid his respects, writing: 'Waking up to a world without Karl. So sad. And strange. He was a great inspiration to me, and, undeniably a unique and extraordinary talent. RESPECT. Rest In Peace KL.'

Chanel muse and actress Diane Kruger revealed in a heartbreaking post, that she was bringing her four-month-old daughter to meet Karl Lagerfeld in France yet admitted 'I was too late'.

Kylie Minogue also shared a message about the designer, writing: 'I loved working with you. Unique, masterful, funny and generous. RIP.'

Claudia Schiffer paid tribute to Lagerfeld on Instagram, writing: 'Karl was my magic dust, he transformed me from a shy German girl into a supermodel.

'He taught me about fashion, style and survival in the fashion business. What Warhol was to art, he was to fashion; he is irreplaceable.

'He is the only person who could make black and white colourful! I will be eternally grateful to him.'





MailOnline