Tribute to Karl Lagerfeld: Chanel and Fendi Fall-Winter 2019/2020

Fashion industry will never be the same again. Following pancreatic cancer complications, Karl Lagerfeld died on 19 February 2019, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. He was admitted to the American Hospital of Paris in Parisian suburb. Karl Otto Lagerfeld, whose name is practically synonymous with ‘God’, proved that he was the most powerful man in fashion. Lagerfeld worked closely with top power houses in the industry like Chloe, Valentino, Chanel, Fendi, and more.

Here are some heartfelt tribute from celebrities like Karlie Kloss, who took on twitter and instagram earlier to express their sorrow for the loss and love for the legend.

Chanel- fall/winter 2019/2020 ready-to-wear collection- opened with earthy androgynous tweeds and ended with angelic white garments

The last collection from Lagerfeld, Chanel’s fall 2019, was definitely fantastical. A runway with a ski resort topped with piles of snow and smoking chimneys. Chunky knit sweaters and skirts were worn with shearling boots; loose, long menswear inspired coats in houndstooth and herringbone prints wrapped over platform pants at the waist. There was a graceful feminine touch towards the end of the show with a series of feathery white dresses, delicate as snowflakes worn by Kaia Gerber, Adut Akech and Penelope Cruz (who usually sits on the sidelines). Cara Delevingne was also among those who walked the ramp for the long-time creative director’s final collection.

Anna Wintour and vogue creative director Grace Coddington led a standing ovation from the audience. In 1983, Lagerfeld took over the wheel at Chanel and remained until his death as creative director. Sadly, the Fall 2019 runway show marked the end of an era.

Fendi fall 2019/2020 ready-to-wear collection - sprinkled with Lagerfeld’s FF monogram from 1981 named 'Karligraphy, written in his own handwriting

Defined shoulders, nipped waists, and calf grazed softly by hemlines- such was the feminine collection at Karl Lagerfeld’s last Fendi show, at Milan fashion week, showcased just 2 days after his passing away. A palette of neutrals contrasted against saffron yellow and turquoise. In true texture play, sheer chiffon swished against structured leather coats. The brand also reintroduced an archived monogram print from 1981, named ‘Karligraphy,’ created from Lagerfeld’s own script.

He worked with Fendi for 54 long years as the creative director for the iconic label. “The bond between Karl Lagerfeld and Fendi is fashion’s longest love story, one that will continue to touch our lives for years to come” creative partner Silvia Venturini Fendi said in a press release.

Amid a series of touching gestures throughout the show, every seat was topped with a moving tribute card acknowledging the designer’s death and show notes that came with sketches of his final collection. Gigi Hadid, who frequently worked with Karl over the last few years, was the fortunate super-model to close the show, dressed in a sheer, bright yellow dress down the runway. The muse was seen in tears along with other super models who walked the runway together during their final walk to the David Bowie’s “Heroes” song.

Other than tailored suits and feminine dresses, leather pieces and a new range of the brand’s nostalgic baguette bags were exhibited in unexpected pops of color.