Could the final wishes of a fashion titan be rewritten from beyond the grave?
Seven years after the legendary Karl Lagerfeld, the visionary behind Chanel and Fendi, passed away, his meticulously crafted will is facing an unexpected challenge. This isn't just any legal dispute; it's a battle that could potentially reshape who inherits the vast fortune of the famously precise and, at times, unforgiving designer.
But here's where it gets interesting: While Lagerfeld's human beneficiaries might be in for a surprise, his beloved feline companion, Choupette, can continue to live her life of unparalleled luxury without a care in the world. The arrangements made for her care are reportedly ironclad, set up long before his passing and thus, beyond the reach of this current legal wrangling.
Lagerfeld, an enigmatic figure known for his dark glasses and immense influence on global high fashion for decades, died in 2019 at the age of 85. He had no spouse, children, or surviving siblings at the time of his death. His will, dated April 29, 2016, notably excluded the children of his late sisters, Christiane Johnson and Thea von der Schulenburg. Instead, his considerable wealth and property, estimated to be around €200 million, were designated for a select group of close confidants. This inner circle is believed to include his assistant and bodyguard, Sébastien Jondeau, his teenage godson, Hudson Kroenig, and models Brad Kroenig and Baptiste Giabiconi. Giabiconi himself has spoken of being at the very top of Lagerfeld's inheritors, even mentioning a past, albeit unsuccessful, attempt by the designer to adopt him.
And this is the part most people miss: The executor of Lagerfeld's estate, Christian Boisson, has reportedly sent letters to the descendants of his late sisters, informing them that they could now stand to inherit millions if this new legal challenge proves successful. Boisson has stated, according to German media, that "The interpretation of the will is being contested" and that "At present, the rights of the heirs are therefore uncertain."
For this challenge to succeed, the plaintiff would need to prove that Lagerfeld, born in 1933, was not of sound mind when he signed his will. This is a significant hurdle, especially considering Lagerfeld's known meticulous nature. The legal proceedings will likely involve navigating both French and Monegasque law, as Lagerfeld maintained a primary residence in Monaco, despite living and dying in the Paris area.
Meanwhile, Choupette, Lagerfeld's 14-year-old fluffy white Birman cat, continues her pampered existence. Her luxurious lifestyle is the stuff of fashion legend: dining from porcelain, sleeping on Chanel fabrics, and traveling in Louis Vuitton carriers. She even boasts her own verified Instagram account with hundreds of thousands of followers and has earned income as an advertising mascot. Lagerfeld had personally ensured her comfort by bequeathing a home, a garden in France, and a substantial bank account to his housekeeper, Françoise Caçote, specifically for Choupette's care.
Beyond his fashion empire, Lagerfeld amassed a considerable fortune through luxury properties, a substantial stock portfolio, and collections of art and rare books. Interestingly, reports suggest that Lagerfeld was estranged from his blood relatives in the later decades of his life, with one documentary mentioning he hadn't seen a niece in five decades. However, another niece shared a story of Lagerfeld's generosity, designing her wedding dress and flying it via Concorde for her special day, stating she expected nothing more.
But here's where it gets controversial: This isn't the first time Lagerfeld's estate has faced financial scrutiny. French tax authorities have reportedly sought up to €40 million in back taxes, questioning his primary residence in Monaco, a known tax haven. The executor's associate has stated they are bound by confidentiality and cannot comment on the estate.
What do you think? Is it right for a challenger to question a will so many years after the person's death, especially when the beneficiaries were chosen by the deceased? Or should the law always prioritize next of kin, regardless of the testator's wishes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
