The estate of Karl Lagerfeld, the iconic German-born fashion designer who died in 2019, is facing a legal challenge to his will, potentially altering the distribution of his approximately €200 million fortune. The challenge, brought by an unnamed plaintiff, has prompted Lagerfeld’s estate executor to notify his surviving nieces and nephews that they may be entitled to a share of the inheritance, a possibility previously excluded by the designer’s final wishes.
Lagerfeld, renowned for his decades-long influence on global high fashion as the creative director of Chanel, Fendi, and his own eponymous label, was known for his exacting standards and, reportedly, his capacity for holding grudges. He died aged 85 without a spouse, children, or surviving siblings, leaving the question of succession particularly complex.
His will, dated April 29, 2016, designated a select group of confidants as beneficiaries, bypassing his siblings’ children. Those believed to be included are Sébastien Jondeau, Lagerfeld’s assistant and bodyguard; Hudson Kroenig, his teenage godson; and models Brad Kroenig and Baptiste Giabiconi. Giabiconi had previously indicated he was high on the list of inheritors, even suggesting Lagerfeld had once attempted to adopt him.
The executor, Christian Boisson, has informed the descendants of Lagerfeld’s late sisters, Christiane Johnson (who died in 2015) and Thea von der Schulenburg (who died in 1997), about the potential for inheritance, according to German media reports. Boisson communicated that the interpretation of the will is currently being contested, creating uncertainty regarding the rights of the heirs.
The legal battle centers on whether Lagerfeld was of sound mind when he signed the will. Given that he maintained his primary residence in Monaco, both French and Monegasque law, which typically prioritize next of kin, would apply. The plaintiff must demonstrate that Lagerfeld lacked the mental capacity to make the decisions outlined in his will.
Amidst this legal uncertainty, one beneficiary can rest assured: Choupette, Lagerfeld’s beloved 14-year-old Birman cat. The designer had already made provisions for her well-being, establishing a trust to ensure her continued luxurious lifestyle. This included a home and garden in France, as well as a substantial bank account dedicated to her care, managed by his housekeeper, Françoise Caçote. This arrangement, made prior to the contested will, appears to be shielded from the current legal challenge.
Choupette’s life of privilege is well-documented, encompassing porcelain dishes, Chanel fabrics for sleeping, and Louis Vuitton monogrammed carriers. She even boasts a verified Instagram account with over 278,000 followers and has generated income through advertising endorsements, including a campaign with Audi. Speculation that she was directly named as a beneficiary in the will proved unfounded, but her future remains secure.
Beyond his couture empire, Lagerfeld’s estate includes a portfolio of luxury properties, including his Parisian apartment and Biarritz villa, as well as a significant stock portfolio and collections of art and rare books.
The extent of Lagerfeld’s estrangement from his relatives in the later years of his life remains largely unknown. A 2023 BBC Two documentary revealed he hadn’t seen one of his nieces for five decades. However, one niece, an American resident, described him as “generous,” recalling that he designed her wedding dress and personally ensured its timely arrival via Concorde. She expressed no expectation of further inheritance, stating, “There is no need.”
Lagerfeld remained actively involved in designing collections for Chanel, Fendi, and his own label until his death. He was known to frequently revise his will, once remarking that even a disapproving glance could result in someone’s removal as a beneficiary.
This isn’t the first financial hurdle facing Lagerfeld’s estate. French tax authorities have reportedly demanded up to €40 million in back taxes, arguing that his primary residence was not, in fact, in Monaco, a known tax haven.
The estate’s executor, Christian Boisson, declined to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings, as did Thea von der Schulenburg’s daughter, Thoma. The outcome of this challenge will determine whether Lagerfeld’s carefully constructed plan for his fortune will stand, or if his estranged relatives will finally receive a share of his legacy.
