He was born Karl Otto Lagerfeldt in 1933 in pre-war Germany. Lagerfeld changed his original surname from Lagerfeldt, because he believed it sounded "more commercial".

He emigrated to Paris as a young teenager, and became a design assistant for Pierre Balmain, before working at Fendi and Chloe in the 1960s.
But the designer was best known for his association with the French label Chanel.

He began his long career with the fashion house in 1983, a decade after Coco Chanel died. Lagerfeld's designs added glitz to the prim tweed suits of what is now one of the world's most valuable couture houses.

Lagerfeld worked tirelessly, simultaneously churning out collections for LVMH's Fendi and his label, up until his death.

He also encouraged new designers, like Victoria Beckham, who praised him for his kindness.
Lagerfeld was known for his distinctive look in his later years, regularly wearing dark suits, a pony-tail and tinted sunglasses.

Lagerfeld said of his appearance: "I am like a caricature of myself, and I like that."

Source: BBC