Hearts are breaking around the world over the death of Karl Lagerfeld.
On Tuesday, Chanel confirmed its beloved creative director has died at the age of 85. While the cause of Lagerfeld's death is unknown at this time, he was absent from the most recent Chanel couture fashion show in Paris last month, sparking concern over what stopped him from taking his usual bow.
"For the traditional greeting at the end of the show, Mr. Lagerfeld, Artistic Director of Chanel, who was feeling tired, asked Virginie Viard, Director of the Creative Studio of the House, to represent him and greet the guests alongside the bride," Chanel said in a statement in January. "Virginie Viard as Creative Studio Director and Eric Pfrunder as Chanel's Director of Image continue to work with him and follow through with the brand's collections and image campaigns."
Nearly a month later, he has passed away, sending shockwaves through the industry he had long been at the helm of.
Immediately, colleagues, friends, admirers and fans took to social media to pay modern tribute to the late legend. Famous names like Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner and supermodel sisters Gigi Hadid and Bella Hadid expressed their shock, heartbreak and love for Lagerfeld.
In the words of his eponymous fashion house, "He was one of the most influential and celebrated designers of the 21st century and an iconic, universal symbol of style. Driven by a phenomenal sense of creativity, Karl was passionate, powerful and intensely curious. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as one of the greatest designers of our time, and there are no words to express how much he will be missed."