Karl Lagerfeld, pioneer fashion designer, has passed away

Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel's fashion visionary and creative director, is dead, the company told CNN on Tuesday.

The influential German designer is best known for his work with the luxury French fashion house, as well as for his prodigious result. He was also Creative Director at Fendi and his eponymous label.

Rumors had circulated about his health after his absence from his Chanel show in late January because of what the company had described as fatigue.

Lagerfeld, who transformed Chanel after taking the helm in 1983, was rarely seen without black glasses, silver ponytail and fingerless gloves, which earned him the reputation of being the most recognizable man of fashion.

The president of LVMH, owner of competing house Louis Vuitton, said the fashion world had "lost inspiration".

"We have lost a creative genius who helped make Paris the fashion capital of the world and Fendi one of Italy's most innovative houses, and we owe him a lot: his taste and talent are the most exceptional I've ever known" Bernard Arnault, president and CEO of LVMH, said in a statement.

"The death of this dear friend deeply saddened me, my wife and my children, we loved and admired her deeply."

Born in Hamburg, Germany, Lagerfeld won a women's clothing competition in 1954.

He made his debut in Paris under the direction of Pierre Balmain in the 1950s, before settling three years later at Patou House. He worked as a freelancer for Chloe and was hired by Fendi in 1967 as a consultant-director for the modernization of the fur lines of the Italian house.

His decision to direct Chanel, founded by Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, makes him one of the most famous fashion designers of the twentieth century.

Celebrities and fashion giants paid tribute to a late designer.

Donatella Versace called him a genius who "touched the lives of so many people", especially his late brother Gianni Versace.

The editor of British Vogue, Edward Enninful, called Lagerfeld "one of the greatest designers in the history of fashion".

"He has had an incredible influence on the fashion industry over the past six decades," Enninful said in a statement.

"Karl was a genius and always so kind and generous to me, personally and professionally," wrote Victoria Beckham.

"I came to France to see you this week and introduce you to my daughter (…) .I am heartbroken because I was too late," wrote actress Diane Kruger .