Chanel denies Karl Lagerfeld departure rumours

By

Dominique Muret

Translated by
Nicola Mira

Published
Apr 20, 2016

Karl Lagerfeld, who has been managing Chanel's design team with an iron grip for 33 years, is at the heart of all the rumours. His possible retirement was mentioned once again, this time by Page Six, the New York Post's invariably well-informed gossip column.

Apparently the 'Kaiser' is "really tired. He's not doing well and he's ready to stop," a mysterious 'fashion insider' told Page Six.

The designer will be celebrating his 83rd birthday next September, according to his biographer Alicia Drake (his official website karl.com gives his age as 78). He may therefore officiate his last show for Chanel in Cuba on 3rd May, on the occasion of the 2017 Cruise collection's presentation.

The House continues to deny the rumour. "These rumours are unfounded. There was never any question that Mr. Lagerfeld will be stepping down or that the Cruise Collection to be presented in Cuba will be the last," a spokesperson for the House told FashionMag.