Karl Lagerfeld, one of the most famous fashion designers in the world, died on February 19 at age 85. Over his 50 years in the industry, he solidified Chanel as one of the most iconic fashion brands in history.
With quips like “sweatpants are a sign of defeat” and “the thing at the moment is Adele. She is a little too fat, but she has a beautiful face and a divine voice,” Lagerfeld has become just as known for his witty and controversial quotes as his designs over the years.
As the fashion world mourns the death of an icon, we’re looking back at some of Lagerfeld’s most memorable quotes.
“Be politically correct, but please don’t bother other people with conversation about being politically correct, because that’s the end of everything. You want to create boredom? Be politically correct in your conversation.”
“The iPod is genius. I have 300.”
“Kate Middleton has a nice silhouette and she is the right girl for that boy. I like that kind of woman, I like romantic beauties. On the other hand, her sister struggles. I don’t like the sister’s face. She should only show her back.”
“I’m a kind of fashion nymphomaniac who never gets an orgasm.”
“When I was four, I asked my mother for a valet for my birthday.”
“Vanity is the healthiest thing in life.”
"I hate intellectual conversation with intellectuals because I only care about my opinion."
“Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants.”
“There are not too many people with an opinion I care for.”
“Life is not a beauty contest, some [ugly people] are great. What I hate is nasty, ugly people. The worst is ugly short men. Women can be short, but for men it is impossible. It is something that they will not forgive in life—they are mean and they want to kill you.”
“I’m rather pro-prostitution. I admire people who do it. It can’t be much fun. Thank goodness for it. People need relief or they become murderers.”
On selfies: “They are this horrible thing where you are distorted. The chin is too big, the head is too small. No, this is electronic masturbation.”
“Trendy is the last stage before tacky.”
“The discussion of fur is childish.”
“I am very much down to Earth. Just not this earth.”