Karl Lagerfeld death: Victoria Beckham ‘incredibly sad’ as she leads tributes to fashion ‘genius’

Victoria Beckham hailed Karl Lagerfeld a “genius” as she led the tributes to the fashion powerhouse after news of his death, aged 85.

The British fashion designer paid tribute to Chanel’s artistic director on Tuesday, telling fans she has been left “incredibly sad”.

“So incredibly sad to hear this,” she posted. “Karl was a genius and always so kind and generous to me both personally and professionally. RIP.”

Lagerfeld, who had been head of fashion house Chanel since 1983, was rushed to hospital on Monday night, according to publication Paris Match, after a period of ill health.

Alexa Chung posted a picture of herself with Lagerfeld as she recalled the time she interviewed the “incredibly witty and generous” designer.

“Rest in peace, Karl,” she wrote. “I remember being so scared to interview you and yet you were in fact incredibly witty and generous. Thank you for inviting me to some of the most glamorous experiences of my life, it was an honour to know you.

“Oh yeah and thanks for the dry shampoo tip, will always think of you as I powder my wig.”

Singer Lilly Allen, who did a handbag campaign with Lagerfeld, also posted a picture with the designer who she credited with making her “feel like a princess”.

“I never quite understood what you saw in me but I am forever grateful for the support that you and Chanel have given me over the last 15 years,” she wrote. “Rest In Peace Karl, you were a true genius and will be missed, so much.”

The Hadid sisters also shared messages of condolences on Instagram, with Gigi telling followers that she had been left "heartbroken" by the loss.

"There will never be another Karl Lagerfeld," she wrote. "Every second with you was an honour, joy and inspiration. I wish I could give you one last hug."

Bella re-posted her older sibling's message before sharing an image of a butterfly's wing, captioning it "Nothing seems right at the moment" and adding a broken heart emoji.

Fashion designer Henry Holland also paid tribute as well as Diane Kruger who said she has been left heartbroken at being “too late” to introduce her daughter to Lagerfeld.

“Karl.....I cannot tell you how much you meant to me and how much I will miss you,” she posted. “I will never forget your kindness towards me, your laughs, your imagination. I came to France to see you this week and introduce you to my daughter...I’m heartbroken I was too late. Rest In Peace, I adore you.”

News of his death comes after he missed his end-of-show-bow during the Chanel show at Paris Fashion Week in January because he was unable to attend.