The future of Chanel without Karl Lagerfeld

“I AM VERY grounded, just not on this earth,” was one of numerous bon mots from Karl Lagerfeld, who died on February 19th. Mr Lagerfeld, born in Hamburg 85 years ago, may not have felt he belonged on this planet but he knew very well what its wealthier inhabitants wanted to wear. As one of the great artists of French couture alongside Christian Dior, Coco Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent, Mr Lagerfeld made Chanel, where he was creative director for over 35 years, the multinational brand it is today. His death will ensure that Parisian gossips, already abuzz with rumours about the future of the fashion house, will have plenty to chat about.