The death of Chanel and Fendi art director who passed on last Tuesday, shook the fashion world, reverberating even here in Nigeria. As the creative world mourns, designers back home pay tribute to the fashion legend whose craft they all admired.

Dame Zizi Cardow

I heard the news at the London fashion week …talk about taking a bow!!!!
He was for me an epitome of all things class, culture and charisma. His love and appreciation of all art forms are genuinely inspiring. A perfect, larger than life maestro, whose works shaped and defined fashion as we know it. He was the epitome of “man, know thyself”.
He had this dedication to his style and look that it became him: the versatility in the interpretation of natural objects as seen through his camera lens, to a breathing collection of his sunglasses!!!
These are things I would miss most about him.

Nikki Khiran

Karl Lagerfeld, the prolific designer, icon and curator of style passed away last Tuesday. He defined luxury fashion in the 21st century, made black chic, and turned dark glasses and ponytail into a stylish, fresh, creative force that never stood still for 85 years; he presents a fashion god and will be missed.

Frank Osodi

He was an unforgettable fashion icon and has left a void no one can fill. He saw art in every form or shade and was intensely passionate about creating something out of nothing. He was a powerful piece of artwork himself in the physical and in mannerism. Above all, his creative prowess, I will miss him for all his unapologetic quotes!!!

Funmi Ajila Ladipo

Karl Lagerfeld was one of my greatest icons. He inspired me in my growing up years as a designer. The fashion industry will miss a legend. He was creativity itself.
He was one man that inspired me big time. No limit, no border.

Joan Ibuzo

Karl Lagerfeld was an epitome of his aristocratic world of luxury, a dream achieved and maintained on his terms. I appreciate his distinct approach to his art, his apt attention to brand identity and quality. He reminded me of being disciplined to attain and retain excellence.
A great Fashion page has just closed for life. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.

Folake Majin

Karl Lagerfeld’s death is a massive loss to the fashion world. He was an iconic, creative and brilliant designer who revitalised the famous house of Chanel and remained the original designer for 36 successful years. He was able to collaborate with other design houses like Fendi and have his eponymous label. The interviews he granted were exciting and controversial. Two comes to mind. After loosing over 40kilos of weight, he said men were jealous of his slim size! Another one was that if it weren’t against the law, he would marry his beloved cat! He was deliberate about his trade and everything about his dramatic weight loss to his critics of the size of specific models and Adele all point to keeping the name and business going. He was a unique one; the fashion world will miss his immense influence.

By Jemi Ekunkunbor