Paris Says Goodbye to Karl, the Fashion Superstar
TL;DR: Karl Lagerfeld’s final wishes are already unfolding—no big ceremony, ashes scattered with his mum’s, his beloved cat Choupette’s (if she outlives him), and the eternal partner of his heart.
What the Brands Are Doing
Lagerfeld’s own label tossed in a quick note that it will keep his wishes front‑and‑center: “His wishes will be respected,” a spokeswoman said. The fashion mogul, who passed away aged 85 last Tuesday, didn’t want a flashy send‑off.
Why He Chose Cremation
He’d long voiced a preference for a simple, almost invisible goodbye—there’s nothing macabre or romantic about burial, according to him. “It is awful to encumber people with your remains,” he sighed on a 2015 French TV show. He’d even mentioned the lackluster funerals echoed by France’s legendary rocker Johnny Hallyday, which he found a “farce.”
His Legendary Love Story
Having kept half of his lover Jacques de Bascher’s ashes in a secret place, he hoped they’d mingle when he joined—ready to finish that romantic sweep. De Bascher, who died of AIDS in 1989, had a wardrobe of year‑round parties but left a legacy of affection for Karl. One half of his ashes went to family, the other vowed to join Lagerfeld.
And a Touch of Paw‑theory
Choupette, the ever‑present feline muse, will also share the final journey if she passes before Karl. His 2018 interview hinted at this, “I’ve asked to be cremated…and for my ashes to be dispersed with those of my mother… and those of Choupette if she dies before me.”
Grief, Tributes, and Enduring Influence
As Paris mourns, white roses have blossomed outside Chanel’s flagship. Anna Wintour, Vogue editor‑in‑chief, said Karl was “a giant among men.” Everyone remembers his sharp wit, endless generosity, and the style that turned headlines into fabric.
What’s Next for Paris Fashion Week
Without Karl, women’s fashion week is all the more bittersweet. The new Creative Director, Virginie Viard, will get the reins with a short briefing—and the “fall 20/21” collection will debut on March 5, the very last day of the shows.
Fashion lovers around the world will keep chasing Karl’s spirit through every stitch, each runway, and of course, every witty, unforgettable quote. Rest easy, Karl—you’ve left a legacy that will forever strut the catwalk of life.
