Donatella Versace, Victoria Beckham and Alexa Chung pay tribute to Karl Lagerfeld

Following the death of Karl Lagerfeld at the age of 85, friends, peers and celebrities have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late designer.

Former Chanel muse, the actress Diana Kruger shared that she was 'heartbroken,' whilst the designer Victoria Beckham described him as a genius.

Read more of the tributes to Lagerfeld from his colleagues, fellow designers and celebrity fans below...

Alain Wertheimer, CEO of Chanel, said: 'Thanks to his creative genius, generosity and exceptional intuition, Karl Lagerfeld was ahead of his time, which widely contributed to the House of Chanel's success throughout the world. Today, not only have I lost a friend, but we have all lost an extraordinary creative mind to whom I gave carte blanche in the early 1980s to reinvent the brand.'

Bruno Pavlovsky, President of Fashion at Chanel, said: “Fashion show after fashion show, collection after collection, Karl Lagerfeld left his mark on the legend of Gabrielle Chanel and the history of the House of Chanel. He steadfastly promoted the talent and expertise of Chanel's ateliers and Métiers d’Art, allowing this exceptional know-how to shine throughout the world. The greatest tribute we can pay today is to continue to follow the path he traced by – to quote Karl – ‘continuing to embrace the present and invent the future’.”

Serge Brunschwig, Fendi Chairman & CEO said: 'Working with Karl Lagerfeld at Fendi allowed me to catch a glimpse of the secret of the continuous renewal of the House. I profoundly admire Karl’s immense culture, his ability to rejuvenate at all times, to taste all the arts, to not overlook any style, along with a persistent refusal to turn to his past, to look at his work in a mirror. He was restless and his exigent nature would never leave him. The show was just ending  that Karl would  always say, "And now number next!" He leaves us an enormous heritage, an inexhaustible source of inspiration to continue. Karl will be immensely missed by myself and all the Fendi people.'

Silvia Venturini Fendi, Fendi Creative Director for Menswear, Accessories and Kidswear said: 'I am profoundly saddened as today we have lost a unique man and an unrivalled designer, who has given so much to Fendi and to myself. I was only a child when I first saw Karl. Our relationship was very special, based on a deep and very genuine affection. We had a lot of mutual appreciation and endless respect. Karl Lagerfeld has been my mentor and my point of reference. A blink of an eye was enough to understand each other. For Fendi and myself, the creative genius of Karl has been and will always be our guiding light, moulding the Maison’s DNA. I will miss him deeply and always carry with me the memories of our days together.'

Donatella Versace posted a photograph of herself and Lagerfeld on Instagram writing: 'Karl your genius touched the lives of so many, especially Gianni and I. We will never forget your incredible talent and endless inspiration. We were always learning from you.'

The designer Victoria Beckham wrote: 'So incredibly sad to hear this. Karl was a genius and always so kind and generous to me both personally and professionally. RIP x vb'

Katie Grand, the editor in chief of Love Magazine wrote: 'Rest in peace Karl. There are too many great stories and fun times to detail, you are incredibly special and talented and I was very lucky to have known you.'

Fashion critic Sarah Mower, posted a photo of Lagerfeld taken in the late '70s by Helmut Newton, writing below it 'Karl Lagerfeld  King of fashion, sparkling wit, incalculable loss.'

Alexa Chung who worked as a Chanel ambassador, attending shows and often sporting Lagerfeld's designs on red-carpet events posted a photo of the two of them together writing: 'Rest in peace, Karl. 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. ??'

Hairstylist Sam McKnight, who regularly work with Lagerfeld across his shows and campaign shoots wrote: 'Dear Karl, it has been an enormous pleasure. I’m honoured to have known you. '

Diane Kruger, muse and former Chanel beauty campaign star wrote: 'I cannot tell you how much you meant to me and how much I will miss you ?? 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 ??'

Alexandra Shulman, former editor of British Vogue wrote: 'Very sad to hear of Karl Lagerfeld’s death. Hard to imagine the fashion world without him @Chanel.'

The singer/songwriter Lily Allen, who starred in a Chanel campaign and who's wedding dress was designed by Lagerfeld wrote: 'You made me 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. Rest In Peace Karl, you were a true genius and will be missed, so much.'

Posting two images of her wearing Chanel and a sketch of a Chanel dress Lagerfeld had drawn, America's First Lady Melania Trumpwrote on Twitter:  'Today the world lost a creative genius. We will miss you Karl! #RIPKarlLagerfeld'

Lucia Pica, Chanel's Global Creative Make up and Colour Designer wrote:  'Thank you Karl for what you brought to the world. I will bring with me not only the incredible inspiration but the great joy in knowing you and experiencing your generous, kindest care.'

Model Karlie Klosscaptured a photo of her and Lagerfeld with: 'The only thing more inspiring than #karllagerfeld’s prolific creative genius was his kind heart, generosity and irreverent spirit! His mark on the fashion industry will live on forever, his loss resonates deeply with all who had the privilege to work with him ??'

Daphne Guinnesswrote on Twitter: 'Darling @KarlLagerfeld A Titanic Talent. A Polymath and above all, A friend I will miss you. You are unique. I am so grateful to have known you. Love Daphne XXXX'

Alber Elbaz posted a photo of himself embracing Lagerfeld captioning the picture: 'Final embrace ...The world will not be the same without you. Thank you for everything you have given us . The world will miss you. #karllagerfeld#alberandamigos'

Artistic Director of GivenchyClare Waight Kellerwrote:  'I don’t think I can fully express in words what Karl meant to me and to so many others in this industry. My heart is broken by the news today - he was an inspirational force behind many moments in my life and I feel truly privileged that I could call him a friend. Goodbye dear Karl.'

Naomi Campbellwrote:  'too many memories to write... 'I THANK YOU , THANK YOU, THANK YOU !!! For taking the chance on 16 year old girl from South London and opening my eyes . May you Rest with Highest.'

Kim Kardashian Westwrote: 'We lost a true legend!!!! You were such an inspiration to the world! You shot my first fashion shoot and I was so nervous to work with such an icon! The world is so much chicer because you existed! I am beyond honored to have met you and had the opportunity to work with you. You are so loved and will be so missed.

Tallulah Harlech said:  'Dearest Karl, Sadness takes over my heart with this news. Thank you for everything you have shared with me throughout these many years of knowing one another.  All that you have shown me: the most exquisite wonders of beauty. Your brilliance of thought, your wild mind, will stay with me forever.'

The designer Marc Jacobs wrote: 'Waking up to a world without Karl. So sad. And strange. He was a great inspiration to me, and, undeniably a unique and extraordinary talent. RESPECT. Rest In Peace KL.'