Fashion genius and Chanel’s artistic director, Karl Lagerfeld, dies aged 85

The German fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld has died at the age of 85, sources close to Chanel have said.

He began his career as an assistant to Pierre Balmain in 1955 and joined Chanel in 1983, spending a record-breaking 36 years at the house.

Lagerfeld, who simultaneously churned out collections for LVMH’s Fendi and his eponymous label – an unheard of feat in fashion – was almost a brand in his own right.