The German-born designer helped define the looks of Chanel and Fendi behind the scenes, even as he cut a titanic figure center-stage in the fashion industry. Chanel confirmed Lagerfeld’s death Tuesday.

Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld has died at the age of 85. He was Chanel’s creative director for decades, and he was a symbol of fashion itself with his signature fingerless gloves and other bold gestures. Lagerfeld balanced the luxury brand’s tradition with the excitement of the future.