Karl Lagerfeld 'cremation': Fashion greats gather to bid farewell to legendary Chanel designer

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Bonnie Christian22 February 2019

Legendary fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld was cremated today in Nanterre, according to local media.

Fashion greats gathered to say goodbye to the iconic artistic director of Chanel in France on Friday.

The 85-year-old designer died on Tuesday after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour was among those who gathered at the event near Paris.

Dame Anna Wintour and Amanda Harlech at Karl Lagerfeld's cremation ceremony.
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The German born fashion “Kaiser” famously quipped 'I'd rather die' than be buried.

While he once said that he would have no funeral and was “really against remembrances,” large numbers gathered to pay their final respects.

Up until his death, Lagerfeld was the creative director of Fendi, Chanel and his eponymous label.

Supermodel Natalia Vodianova.
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After he died, Ms Wintour said: "Karl was so much more than our greatest and most prolific designer — his creative genius was breathtaking and to be his friend was an exceptional gift.

"Karl was brilliant, he was wicked, he was funny, he was generous beyond measure, and he was deeply kind."

Among others paying tribute included Amanda Harlech, who joined Lagerfeld at Chanel in 1996.

Caroline de Monaco, the Princess of Hanover.
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Caroline de Monaco the Princess of Hanover, and Carine Roitfeld, the former editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris were also at the ceremony.

Ms Rotfield previously said of Lagerfeld: "Karl was my rock. He's always been there for me, through years of friendship and creation."

Supermodel Natalia Vodianova, who modeled for Chanel on multiple occasions, was seen arriving in a black and white ensemble.

Andrea Casiraghi
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Virginie Viard, who succeeds him as creative director at Chanel and Bernard Arnault, head of the luxury group LVMH, were also present.

Model and Lagerfeld muse Brad Kroenig was pictured, along with his 11-year-old son Hudson, who is Lagerfeld's godson.

Lagerfeld had written a manual for employees after his death.

Charlotte Casiraghi, the second child of Caroline, Princess of Hanover.
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It dictated everything from the flowers to how to speak to customers offering their condolences.

The statement on display, which was also published on Karl Lagerfeld's Instagram reads: "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.

"It instructs employees to remove all items from the shop window and place a single bouquet of white roses with a company statement on display.

Karl Lagerfeld cremation ceremony in Nanterre, France.
SplashNews.com

“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.”

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