First Lady Melania Trump recently tweeted a tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld, following news of his death. Lagerfeld was 85-years-old, and had apparently been in poor health; he had recently missed Chanel's January 22nd spring 2019 haute couture show in Paris because he was "feeling tired".
The First Lady's tweet included a sketch of the dress Lagerfeld had designed for her, and photos of her in the dress. The dress was worn for one of her earliest appearances as First Lady.
Chanel Fashion House released a statement officially announcing Lagerfeld's death.
"It is with deep sadness that the House of Chanel announces the passing of Karl Lagerfeld, the Creative Director for the Chanel Fashion House since 1983."
"An extraordinary creative individual, Karl Lagerfeld reinvented the brand's codes created by Gabrielle Chanel: the Chanel jacket and suit, the little black dress, the precious tweeds, the two-tone shoes, the quilted handbags, the pearls and costume jewelry."
"Regarding Gabrielle Chanel, he said, 'My job is not to do what she did, but what she would have done. The good thing about Chanel is it is an idea you can adapt to many things.'"
There have been many others posting tributes to the designer as well.
Whatever your feelings toward Lagerfeld or the Trumps, it can't be denied that Lagerfeld had a large impact on the fashion world.