Iconic fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld is dead, leaving his billions fortunes to his cat.
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. He died in Paris following a short illness on Tuesday.
His signature ponytail and dark glasses made him an instantly recognisable figure around the world.
The designer became a devoted cat owner and lavished attention on his pet after Choupette was given to him in 2012.
Lagerfeld told French magazine Numero last year that he had named the birman cat as one of the heirs of his estate.
In the interview, he said Choupette was in his will, “among others”. But he added: “Don’t worry, there is enough for everyone.”
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.
Rumours of Lagerfeld’s ill health had swirled for several weeks after he missed a number of events – including Chanel’s spring/summer show last month.