As of Feb. 19, 2019, Karl Lagerfeld has passed away due to an unconfirmed cause of death. Karl was a self-made designer who worked closely with big name designers such as H&M, Fendi, and most closely, Chanel. After Lagerfeld’s passing, Chanel released an official announcement, stating that “it is with deep sadness that the House of Chanel announces the passing of Karl Lagerfeld, the Creative Director for the Chanel Fashion House since 1983.”

Karl Lagerfeld quickly rose to become a top fashion designer. According to WWD, Lagerfeld gained his first fashion experience when he started working for Jean Patou in 1958. After only a year apprenticing under Jean Patou, he had worked for a number of well-known Parisian design companies. Soon after, Lagerfeld joined Fendi. During the 70’s, he began to work with Chloe. Later, Chanel noticed him gaining popularity with these top-tier companies, and set him on his path to becoming the head designer of Chanel.

Contributing to the legendary status of this man, Karl Lagerfeld has the world’s richest cat, and one of the richest animals overall. According to CNBC, Lagerfeld’s cat, “Choupette,” is gaining some of his massive fortune. And any animal with the name “Choupette” is instantly top tier.

Over the course of more than 50 years, Lagerfeld went on to release more than 10 of his own fashion designs, including mini skirts and mini hats in 1960, and launching his own official label which was sponsored by Chanel in 1983, according to The Famous People. With all of these connections and releases building into his income, Lagerfeld died with a net worth of over $200 million, earning him the title of one of the world’s greatest, and most well-known, fashion designers.