Karl Lagerfeld

Karl Lagerfeld, iconic Chanel fashion designer, dies

The German designer, who was the creative director for Chanel and Fendi, was one of the industry's most prolific figures and worked up until his death.

His signature ponytail and dark glasses made him an instantly recognisable figure around the world.

Industry heavyweights, including Italian designer Donatella Versace, issued heartfelt tributes.

"Today the world lost a giant among men," said the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, Anna Wintour.

Lagerfeld's website says his year of birth was 1938 - though most placed his age at five years older.

Oscars: Meryl Streep vents fury at Karl Lagerfeld in dress row

Chanel's creative director accused Streep of rejecting one of his dresses because she found a different designer who was willing to pay her.

He has since said he "misunderstood" - but that has not calmed Streep's ire.

"I do not take this lightly, and Mr Lagerfeld's generic 'statement' of regret for this 'controversy' was not an apology," she said.

Kendall walked on water in Karl Lagerfeld

Gliding across a glass runway as the sun set on one of Rome's most historic landmarks, the audience of VIP guests and editors -- including Kate Hudson and Bella Thorne -- knew instantly that Karl Lagerfeld, the brand's creative director since 1965, was making fashion history.

History that, it turns out, had been years in the making.

In 2013, Fendi made a $2.4-million investment in the restoration of the Trevi Fountain, demonstrating their dedication to giving back to their home city.