Karl Lagerfeld’s cat could be in line to inherit some of the Chanel icon’s £150 million fortune after his death.
Fashion “Kaiser” Lagerfeld died on Tuesday morning aged 85 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Chanel described the designer as an “extraordinary creative individual” in a statement that announced his passing with “deep sadness”.
One of the creative force’s most important companions in later life was his Birman cat Choupette, who he famously said he would marry if it were legal.
The fashion icon last year said that “among others” his pet would receive a share of his riches. This could actually happen if certain legal structures are arranged, it has been claimed.
Such an arrangement could be feasible under German law if the cat was nominated the ‘heir’ through an association or foundation, according to French newspaper Le Figaro.
Choupette has her own Twitter and Instagram pages, with a combined following of about 200,000. She became a social media legend as pictures of posted of her online of her enjoying a jet-set lifestyle travelling at Lagerfeld’s side.
She reportedly boasted her own bodyguard, personal chef and two maids.
Lagerfeld even designed a whole fashion collection based on the feline called “Choupette in Love”.
It was not immediately clear who would look after Choupette following her designer owner’s death but there will likely be no shortage of volunteers to take care of one of the world’s most fashionable cats.
While the feline could be in line for a share of the German-born designer’s fortune, Lagerfeld’s male model muse Brad Kroenig and Kroenig's son Hudson, the fashion icon's godson and model, are also tipped to receive a cut.
Lagerfeld - known for his trademark look of dark sunglasses, high collars and white ponytail - was admitted to the American Hospital on the outskirts of Paris on Monday and passed away early on Tuesday.
Rumours about Lagerfeld’s failing health had been circulating for several weeks after he failed to appear at the end of the Chanel spring/summer haute couture show in Paris for the first time. At the time aides said he was too “tired” to attend.
The designer, who up until his death was the creative director at Fendi, Chanel and his eponymous label, was thought to have been working right up until his death, even directing and passing on instructions to his team about the Fendi autumn/winter 2019 collection which is due to be shown at Milan Fashion Week this Thursday.
His death brings an end a remarkable 64 year career creating clothes for the world’s most famous women.
