Creative Director for Chanel and Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld has passed away, following a short illness.

The legendary fashion designer was one of the industry’s most prolific figures and worked right up until his death. Instantly recognisable for his signature ponytail and dark glasses, he was one of the most profiled designers around the world.

Industry heavyweights, including Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace as well as several other celebrities and models, issued their heartfelt tributes.Former Spice Girls turned fashion designer Victoria Beckham, actress Diane Kruger and models Gigi and Bella Hadid have also paid tribute.

“Today the world lost a giant among men,” said the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, Anna Wintour. She described the designer’s “creative genius” as “breathtaking”.

“Karl was brilliant, he was wicked, he was funny, he was generous beyond measure, and he was deeply kind. I will miss him so very much,” her statement went on.

Model, Claudia Schiffer, said: “What Warhol was to art, he was to fashion; he is irreplaceable. He is the only person who could make black and white colourful”.

A few of his famous quotes over the years include:

On himself

“I am very much down to Earth. Just not this earth.”

On his early childhood

“When I was four I asked my mother for a valet for my birthday.”

On his creative work

“I have a sort of Alzheimer’s for my own work, which I think is a very good thing. Today too many people remember what they did – just forget it all and start again.”

On the fashion business

“We created a product nobody needs, but people want. If you need an ugly old car, it can wait, but if you want a new fashion item, it cannot wait.”

On vanity

“Vanity is the healthiest thing in life.”

On his public persona

“I am like a caricature of myself, and I like that. It is like a mask. And for me the Carnival of Venice lasts all year long.”

On self-care

“Don’t sacrifice yourself too much, because if you sacrifice too much there’s nothing else you can give and nobody will care for you.”

On fashion’s role

“Whatever it is, good or bad, it influences fashion. You can see that in fashion quicker than in any other thing going on. Fashion is something that reflects our lives and times with the shortest release because, cars, design and architecture take years to realise.”

On retirement

“Why should I stop working? If I do, I’ll die and it’ll be all finished.”

On memoirs

“I have nothing to say. I’m actually trying to make sure that I won’t be remembered.”