Early on Tuesday morning, news broke that Karl Lagerfeld passed away at 85. The Creative Director of both Fendi and Chanel for over 35 years, Karl Lagerfeld was always on the cutting edge of what was happening in fashion. His controversial designs and ad campaigns, along with his instantly recognizable personal style, made him one of the fashion industry’s ultimate icons.
Rumors of health issues had been circulating in recent weeks, especially after Karl was absent from Chanel’s Spring Haute Couture show last month in Paris. Regardless, everyone was caught off guard with the news of his passing, and dozens of celebrities and fashion figures have offered heartfelt tributes. Here are some of the best Instagram tributes to Karl Lagerfeld, fitting of his massive legacy.
Lindsay Lohan
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuEHIuvB8lm/
Lindsay Lohan might not always keep it cool, but she kept it sweet and simple in the wake of Karl’s passing. This really is a lovely photo of them together, and her message is sincere and to the point.
Chanel
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuEN73QlQgW/
Karl is best-known as the Creative Director of Chanel, a position he began in 1983. He was given total control of the brand from the start, and helped bring Coco Chanel’s classic vision into the modern era. Under his leadership, Chanel has become one of the biggest global fashion brands, so he’s left some big shoes to fill.
Fendi
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuEGNkZFaB0/
In addition to Chanel and his own Karl Lagerfeld brand, Karl designed for Fendi for more than 50 years. The brand kept it simple in their official tribute post, which is probably how he would’ve wanted it.
Naomi Campbell
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuEVbYunDNO/
From one icon to another. Naomi Campbell has spent decades at the top of the modeling game, and she obviously had a close connection with Karl. This caption kind of broke my heart, not gonna lie.
Kim Kardashian West
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuEWLkMHd7M/
You might not love Kim Kardashian, but Karl was always a fan. They worked together on numerous occasions, and Kim commemorated Karl with some great behind the scenes photos of them on set.
Vogue
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuEKy36Fn7S/
The fashion bible shared a great photo of the designer at work, taken just last fall. Behind the black sunglasses and oversized collars, it’s easy to forget that Karl was a fashion genius, but this image shows him as the true artist he was.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuEUklhHibU/
Throughout his career, Karl Lagerfeld always had a sharp sense of humor, and he never took himself too seriously. I don’t know how Karl would’ve felt about all of the touching tributes, but he would probably have a good laugh at this. RIP Karl, you’ll be greatly missed.
Images: Shutterstock; lindsaylohan / Instagram; chanelofficial / Instagram; fendi / Instagram; naomi / Instagram; kimkardashian / Instagram; voguemagazine / Instagram; herrleudtke / Instagram