Karl Lagerfeld’s most memorable designs throughout his career

The formidable fashion designer died in February

News of Karl Lagerfeld’s death has left the fashion world in mourning, prompting many to look back on the creative director's unrivalled legacy in the industry.

The Hamburg-born designer was one of the most prolific figures in the business, having spent almost 70 years honing his design talents across a spectrum of brands including Balmain, Chloé and Fendi, where he simultanesously served as creative director.

Lagerfeld also launched an eponymous label in 1984, but it was his work at Chanel that saw him internationally recognised as the "Kaiser" of fashion.

During his tenure at the luxury French fashion house, where he had held the role of artistic director from 1983, the designer spearheaded a number of looks that became synonymous with the brand, from tweed suits to layered pearl necklaces.

Many of these were revived creations of founder Coco Chanel’s archived signatures, including the interlocking “C” monogram, the tweed suit and the famous chain handbag strap.

In 2004, he collaborated with high street giant H&M, marking the first in a series of designer partnerships for the Swedish retailer.

Meanwhile, over at Fendi, Lagerfeld is largely credited for constantly reinventing the label's famous baguette bag, which became such a cult fashion item that actor Sarah Jessica Parker described it as a "very big deal" for her Sex and the City character, Carrie Bradshaw, to carry one in the television series.

But Lagerfeld's artistic talents did not end with fashion, he also designed the costumes for the English National Ballet in 2009 for a special performance by the legendary dance company Ballets Russes in honour of their centenary.

Look back on some of the inimitable designer's most pioneering looks by clicking through the gallery above.