The death of Karl Lagerfeld on Tuesday in Paris has sparked a wave of nostalgia across China, with netizens paying tribute to one of fashion's all-time most influential designers.
German-born Lagerfeld helped redefine the directions of Chanel and Fendi as creative director of both brands – the former since 1983, the latter since 1965 – and also founded his own eponymous line.
Lagerfeld is known in China as Lao Fo Ye, the nickname of Empress Dowager Cixi, who effectively controlled the Chinese government in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) for 47 years from 1861 until her death in 1908. That Lagerfeld was given this soubriquet in China goes some way to showing the esteem in which he is held in the country.
His death has become one of the most talked-about topics on Chinese Twitter-like platform Sina Weibo, gaining more than 330 million hits. One topic, "How many pieces of Chanel do you have so far?" calls for users to post pictures of their Chanel products in memory of Lagerfeld.
"Every elegant woman deserves a Chanel product, and I really like Chanel's Gabrielle bag series. The bags are pretty subtle and functional aesthetically. Also the mixed metal hardware is very cool," said Sina Weibo user Xiao Mililili.
"I am a loyal of Chanel's shows. From the landmark Eiffel Tower to the cruise ship and a real-life beach, it seems that Chanel gives you the biggest surprises, as it has no boundaries and no limits, always delivering the best sets, time and again," said another Weibo user Wo Aidamahua.
Alongside Chanel fans' tributes to Lagerfeld, Chinese celebrities have also expressed their sadness of his death.
Actress Zhou Xun has been the face of Chanel China since 2007, and enjoyed a friendly working relationship with Lagerfeld over the past decade.
"It was my privilege to work with Mr Lagerfeld for more than a decade, and I admired his professionalism and dedication," Zhou said, adding that "Life is limited, but beauty is eternal. May you rest in peace."
Chinese supermodel Liu Wen also offered her condolences on Sina Weibo, writing, "I still remember the excitement of wearing his clothes for the first time in 2008. Karl Lagerfeld was just like a meteor, which has left us a wonderful era! Everyone will be old, but fashion will never be old!"
It was a mutual respect between Lagerfeld and the people and culture of China. In 2010 he moved his fashion show to Shanghai, inspired by the Chinese traditions that Coco Chanel herself loved during her life.
In 2007 he devised a Fendi show in Beijing set against the backdrop of the Great Wall, with 88 models taking to"the world's longest catwalk" at sunset. It's a show that's remembered as one of Asia's most iconic.
At the time Lagerfeld spoke of the awe inspired in him by the ingenuity of ancient peoples, and how for fashion to truly connect with the masses, it needs to reflect and speak to history.
"Fashion is a kind of show business too. You know, show videos play in boutiques around the world. If you just have a white wall with a girl walking out, nobody looks at it," he said.
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