By Wonderwall.com Editors
2:49pm PST, Feb 19, 2019
Designer and fashion visionary Karl Lagerfeld passed away on Feb. 19, 2019, in Paris at age 85. Reports reveal the Chanel creative director, who also designed for Fendi and his own eponymous label, died following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Celebrity friends, admirers and fellow fashion greats took to social media to honor and pay tribute to the creative genius. Keep reading to see what the stars had to say about the Fashion Meister…
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"Karl…..I cannot tell you how much you meant to me and how much I will miss you ♥️ I will never forget your kindness towards me, your laughs, your imagination ♥️ I came to France to see you this week and introduce you to my daughter…I'm heartbroken I was too late ♥️ Rest In Peace, I adore you ♥️" —Diane Kruger
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"Dearest @karllagerfeld there will never be another like you. Thank you for your incredible contribution to fashion and wit. 💔" —Gwyneth Paltrow
"Karl .. too many memories to write … , I THANK YOU , THANK YOU, THANK YOU !!! For taking the chance on 16 year old girl from South London and opening my eyes . May you Rest with Highest 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔🙏🏾" —Naomi Campbell
"So incredibly sad to hear this. Karl was a genius and always so kind and generous to me both personally and professionally. RIP 💔x vb" —Victoria Beckham
"You made me feel like a princess. I never quite understood what you saw in me but I am forever grateful for the support that you and Chanel have given me over the last 15 years. Rest In Peace Karl, you were a true genius and will be missed, so much." –Lily Allen
"I'm so heartbroken. I almost don't have words… There will never be another Karl Lagerfeld. Every second with you was an honor, joy, and inspiration. I wish I could give you one last hug. I love you Karl. Thank you for everything. Rest In Peace." —Gigi Hadid
"Adieu to the Kaiser. Karl loved taking pictures, often in the wee hours and in his home after feeding us all and entertaining us with his stories and the antiquities and artifacts he surrounded himself with. He was incredibly generous in every way. Whether by sending you flowers and a hand written note welcoming you back to Paris every season, or insisting you go downstairs for a shopping spree on Rue Cambon after a fitting on your way out, or giving you the book about the Ballets Russes off his library shelf he noticed you admiring in between shots. He always called me "Miss Turlington" and that made me feel at ease in his presence. I hoped to see him one last time when I attended his recent Metiers d'art but I never got close enough to say hello or goodbye. I am grateful for so many memories and images with and by this inimitable legend and human." — Christy Turlington
"Nothing feels right today..at a loss for words and so heartbroken by the loss of Karl. His humor, wit , love and passion for fashion will live on forever. Thank you for the inspiration that you gave to this world and for all of the hearts that you touched in the process. Every time I saw you it felt like the first time & I will miss your hugs so much. I feel so lucky to have been in your presence. Sending my love to the Lagerfeld family and to all closest to him. I am so sorry. We all love you so much .💔 Rest In Peace KL❤️" —Bella Hadid
"We lost a true legend! You were such an inspiration to the world! You shot my first fashion shoot & I was so nervous to work w such an icon! The world is so much chicer because u existed! I'm beyond honored to have had the opportunity to work w u. U are so loved & will be missed" –Kim Kardashian West
"Today the world lost a creative genius. We will miss you Karl! #RIPKarlLagerfeld" –first lady Melania Trump
"The goat sleeps" –Pharrell Williams
"What a talent. What an appetite for life. Wonderful and lethal company. Never a dull moment. Love, Elton xx " —Elton John
"today the world says goodbye to a true legend. Karl, you graced this industry with so much genius and talent that will live on forever. Thank you for the incredible legacy you leave behind.. 🖤" –Hailey Bieber
"One of the coolest moments of my career was shooting my 1st high fashion shoot with you as the photographer. Every detail mattered to you. Thank you for the inspiration you've given us all. You will truly be missed. Rest In Peace Legend #KarlLagerfeld #Chanel" —Ciara
"I don't even recall him knowing my name, but man did I know his. We have lost a true genius in the fashion world. His designs remain with us forever. RIP #KarlLagerfeld (PS. After baby diet goals )" —Jessica Simpson, who posted this photo of herself meeting Karl in 2005
"You bought so much beauty, style and grace to this world. Karl, you will forever be a true legend, an icon, an inspiration. It was such a thrill and a pleasure to have met you, to have worked with you, and to have experienced the amazing times when you would photograph my girls for your beautiful campaigns. There will never be another like you, my dear friend, and you will be truly missed. 💔#KarlLagerfeld" —Kris Jenner
"Dear Karl Dear maestro Your Being was so vibrante, your profound kindness, your curiosity of the world and humanity touched me so deeply. What you have left is Alive, Luminous and Bright. The world Genius suits you perfectly. Thank you for the beauty, the humor, the poetry, the authenticity, the excellence, the passion and the love. Thank you for giving so much to France. And to Art. I wish you a wonderful and peaceful journey. With all my love.♥️♥️♥️ Marion" –Marion Cotillard
"The end of an era! RIP Karl Lagerfeld" –Iman
"There will always be a place in my heart for you, my dear Karl. I will never forget your kindness, your generosity and how much we have laughed together..I will truly treasure those moments forever. You have inspired us in so many ways! Thank you, maestro. I love you. ❤️" —Penelope Cruz
"this one hurts to write. my dearest Karl, you have taught me things that I am eternally grateful for. I cannot put into words how lucky we all are to have been gifted your vision. your girls love you so much. the world is more beautiful now because of you. thank you for everything, no one will ever compare" –Kaia Gerber
"After my first campaign you were asked on French television what you thought of me and you said you would have to meet me to truly know. I sent the interview to my French girl friend to translate and was elated you knew of my existence. Years later during fashion week in Paris you and your family walked into the restaurant my team and i were in and sat at the table next to us. All i could do was stare as this legend was sitting an arm stretch away. I got up and walked passed your table only to go to the bathroom and check my hair before strutting to your table and introducing myself. You told me you knew who i was and that the grace i walked with reminded you of a young Naomi Campbell. Wow.. those words will ring in my head forever. I'm happy i got to know what you thought of me. You're greatly missed. Sending my love to the Lagerfeld family, you're in my prayers 🙏🏽💔" –Winnie Harlow
"Fashion world loses one of its most influential designer. Thanks for the talent. RIP #KarlLagerfeld" —Antonio Banderas
"Karl your genius touched the lives of so many, especially Gianni and I. We will never forget your incredible talent and endless inspiration. We were always learning from you." –Donatella Versace
"Thank you for everything Karl x" –Florence Welch
"I went into @vintagecoutureshowroom yesterday and was marveling at and coveting all the @Chanel pieces as usual, they are always so timeless and original and beautiful. After a while I decided on a simple pair of Chanel denim trousers from the 90's I think. The perfect jeans. Karl Lagerfeld was a true master, artist. Someone who knew him said he wouldn't want to be told to Rest In Peace so I simply send love ❤️ and kittens." —January Jones
"Rest in peace Karl Lagerfeld. A true fashion maestro and visionary who inspired many. The impact he made and the legacy he left will live on." —Ryan Seacrest
"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" –Marc Jacobs
"Rest in love ❤️❤️❤️🌥 #karllagerfeld #chanel" —Olivia Munn
"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" –Coco Rocha
"Rest in peace, Karl. I remember being so scared to interview you and yet you were in fact incredibly witty and generous. Thank you for inviting me to some of the most glamorous experiences of my life, it was an honour to know you. Oh yeah and thanks for the dry shampoo tip, will always think of you as I powder my wig. ❤️" –Alexa Chung
"Rest In Peace to Karl Lagerfeld, a truly innovative mind." –Charlie Puth
"KARL. I was lucky to have spent time with him, to have been photographed by him. The second and third photos he took of me at different stages of my life. He was a genius and truly one of a kind. RIP KARL ❤️" —Dakota Fanning
"Karl Lagerfeld. Everyone knew his brilliance. I knew his generosity. His sense of humor . There was nobody who came close. He will be missed by so many. Especially this one. #brilliant #karllagerfeld#chanel I will always have the truest admiration and gratitude for you, Karl. Thank you. I love you. You shared your legacy with me. Allowed my hugs. My kisses. I miss you on earth already 🖤 #karllagerfeld #inspiration" –Selma Blair
"The only thing more inspiring than #karllagerfeld's prolific creative genius was his kind heart, generosity and irreverent spirit! His mark on the fashion industry will live on forever, his loss resonates deeply with all who had the privilege to work with him ❤️" —Karlie Kloss
"We lost a giant. RiP. Karl Largerfeld" –Bernadette Peters
"Rest in peace Karl Lagerfeld. I had the honour of meeting you once in Paris. Fashion has lost an icon but your vision will live on forever ❤️" –Dua Lipa
"I knew this day would come but the world, especially me and our hometown, weren't quite ready… #ripkarllagerfeld Wir werden dich sehr vermissen liebster Karl 🖤" –Toni Garrn
"A true artist till the end. Rest In Peace #karllagerfeld. I am so grateful to be have been witness to your beautifully visceral, bright, magical imagination and part of the world you created, even in a small way. What a remarkable life. xx" –Phoebe Tonkin
"A pioneer in our industry has passed! Dear Karl thank you for everything you brought us and the moments that we shared will always stay with me as beautiful memories! RIP ♥️" –Doutzen Kroes
"❤️Rest in peace with the angels in heaven @karllagerfeld Thank you for many decades of Fashion and Inspiration, your style and elegance will live on in many generations to come….. #karllagerfeld #RIP #Legend" –Yolanda Hadid
"I was privileged to work frequently with Karl Lagerfeld in my early career as a model. Those were truly the highlights of my career back then especially when I got to work with him as a photographer. He was a true icon and a creative genius. I am so grateful I was fortunate enough to meet and work with him. R. I. P. Karl. X" –Caitriona Balfe
"There will never be another like @karllagerfeld! He was sassy and kind all at the same time… A wicked sense of humor with a gorgeous heart of gold. I'm sure the angels just got a bit more chic, may you Rest In Peace darling ❤🕶" —Katy Perry
"At 13 I was invited to my very first fashion show, Chanel Haute Couture. The clothes, the spectacle, the theater changed the way I saw fashion. Emotion poured through each garment. Thank you for always being so kind to me. Absolutely no one like you and there will be no one like you. Rest In Peace 🖤" —Elle Fanning
"Forever grateful for these memories 💖💗thank you for these moments of joy #Karl" –Yara Shahidi
"A legend, an icon, an inspiration, and a creative genius are among the many words to describe the man that is Karl Lagerfeld. He has made a lasting impression on everyone who has had the honor of meeting him. I have been lucky enough in my life and career to have been among his presence, in front of his lense and apart of his other worldly shows. These are moments and memories that I will never forget and cherish forever. Karl you have always been so kind and loyal to me and I want to thank you for everything you have done for me in my career. Your legacy will live on forever, as you've left a beautiful mark on this world. Rest in peace, you will be missed." –Taylor Hill
"A true LEGEND with a truly beautiful spirit; Thank you Karl for so many precious memories.. honored to have known you. With so much love and admiration, Mariah ♥️ #KarlLagerfeld" —Mariah Carey
"💔 No one could ever replace you 💔RIP Karl. I remember so many shoots but this one in particular early hours of the morning in Paris freeeeeezing and we laughed all night long as if the sun was shining bright. Sleep well angel. 💔" —Rita Ora
"today is the only full super moon in Virgo this year— what an honor to be a part of your beautiful shows. what an honor to be your bride. what an honor to be your friend. ❤️ RIP Karl, you are greatness in its purest form. we will remember you forever indeed, Virgo" —Kendall Jenner
"Karl Lagerfeld 🖤 You will never be forgotten … & forever, you'll be missed. In recent years, We have and will continue to lose so many legends …. time goes by and inevitably we lose the ones who paved the path before us to thrive . This changes everything …. we have to take responsibility , step in and step up….. we have to use more compassionate resources, we have to sustain, we have to get creative – make something new while honoring the hard work done for us ….. we have to do what pioneers like Karl would want us to do – make big impacts and change the world thru fashion! #NoFur #Sustainability #LoveOnly#NoShame #JustLove" —Miley Cyrus
"💔 Karl. Thank you for being such a fearless leader of the fashion world for so long. You will always live on in fashion, and in my heart. You were such an inspiration to me and everyone in how to be truly chic, and I can't tell you what your support meant to me as a young woman. Those kind words you told me. Tu es magique ✨" –Mischa Barton
"My favorite moment with Karl was at Alice Tully Hall. Before we walked onstage, he noticed that I had a stack of note cards that I had prepared to interview him in front of the large audience. He told me 'no no no cards' took them from me and before I could protest, he whisked me into a waltz. We danced backstage until our names were introduced and walked onstage laughing with the joy that Karl always brought. I never needed notes. To fully be present with him was a never ending gift. Thank you Ingrid, for introducing us. You both have left a profound influence on me. Rest In Love ❤️" —Jessica Chastain
"Today we lost a true Legend, Icon & Visionary. An inspiration to me since I was a little girl. Heaven is about to become more fashionable. You will be remembered, loved & missed. #RIPKarlLagerfeld 🙏" —Paris Hilton
