Fendi mourns Lagerfeld

(ANSA) - Rome, February 19 - Italian fashion house Fendi on Tuesday mourned former creative director Karl Lagerfled who has died at the age of 85.
    In a statement, the Franco-Italian atelier said it was "hugely afflicted by the loss of M.Karl Lagerfeld".
    Silvia Venturini Fendi, creative director of the men's children and accessories lines, said "I am deeply pained because today we lost a unique man and a designer without equals, who gave so much to Fendi and to myself".
    Lagerfeld joined Fendi in 1965 and was creative director there for over 50 years.
    Giorgio Armani and Donatella Versace also paid emotional tributes to the former Chanel and Fendi designer.
    "I always thought that Karl Lagerfeld was an extraordinary man for his talent in his work and life, which he merged to the extent that he turned them into a unique art: the way of being Lagerfeld," said Armani. "I am very struck by his passing but I can't help thinking that up till the last he lived immersed in his greatest pleasure: letting his imagination fly in devoting himself to his work".
    Versace said: "Karl, your genius touched the lives of so many, in particular of Gianni and me.
    "We will never forget your incredible talent and infinite inspiration. We always learned from you," she said on Instagram.