Karl Lagerfeld designed until the very end.
The iconic fashion designer, who was the creative director of Chanel, Fendi and his eponymous line Karl Lagerfeld, died on Tuesday at the age of 85.
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Heartfelt messages from the fashion community, celebrities and fans alike poured in immediately about the prolific life and career of the designer, who was able to seamlessly design three lines at once for decades at a time, as if he had a never-ending tap of fashion inspiration.
The futures of those labels are now unfolding before our eyes.
Chanel has named Virginie Viard, Director of Chanel’s Fashion Creation Studio and Karl Lagerfeld’s closest collaborator for more than 30 years, as Lagerfeld’s successor. Fendi has yet to name a successor to the women’s collections. (Some speculate that Silvia Venturini Fendi, who designs menswear, accessories and kidswear and is the granddaughter of the founders, will take over).
But what will happen to his eponymous label? So far, it’s forging forward.
RELATED: Fashion Industry Icon Karl Lagerfeld Dies at 85
Lagerfeld launched his lower-price line in 1984 as a way to bring his edgy, fashion-forward look to a wider audience. Today, it’s a worldwide brand that encompasses 100 stores all over the world, from Paris to Dubai. It’s mostly known for its bags — many of which feature the designer’s signature look characterized (read cartoon versions of his white ponytail, oversize sunglasses, black jacket and white shirt — though it also features accessories like watches, footwear, jewelry and more.
Several days ago, the Karl Lagerfeld brand announced that its collaboration with style star Olivia Palermo, who has over 5 million Instagram followers. The partnership, entitled “KARL LAGERFELD Styled By Olivia Palermo,” entails Palermo styling pieces from the collection, as well as designing five pieces for the line.
PEOPLE has learned the collaboration will still move forward.
RELATED PHOTOS: Karl Lagerfeld’s Life in Photos
“Being able to collaborate with the visionary and iconic KARL LAGERFELD is truly incredible,” Olivia Palermo said in a statement at the time of the announcement. “I am so proud to bring our shared vision to life on this project and infuse my own eclectic perspective to KARL’s Fall 2019 collection.”
Palermo, one of the last celebrity collaborators of Lagerfeld’s, was devastated by news of the designer’s death.
“We lost a genius talent and true legend in Karl Lagerfeld,” she said in a statement. “He impacted so many people with his visionary approach not only to fashion but to the world, and I am so grateful to have been a part of that vision.”
RELATED: Celebrities Pay Tribute to Karl Lagerfeld After Designer’s Death at 85
The team behind Karl Lagerfeld also paid tribute. On the brand’s site, karl.com, it read: “Thank you, Karl. With love forever, Your Team.”
Lagerfeld’s and Palermo’s collaboration will land in stores and online in June.
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