German media reports that Christian Boisson, executor of Lagerfeld’s estate, has notified the designer’s nieces and nephews about the contestation. Should the will be annulled under French inheritance law, Lagerfeld’s wealth could be redistributed among his next of kin.
During his lifetime, Lagerfeld was renowned as the creative director at Chanel, holding the position from 1983 until his death, and known for his meticulous eye and uncompromising standards. Berlin-based fashion journalist Sabine Röthig described the legal dispute as “befitting Lagerfeld’s enigmatic and fearsome reputation,” noting his well-known capacity for cutting ties with people who no longer suited him.
Lagerfeld’s beloved cat, Choupette, whose lifestyle was lavishly planned with a dedicated housekeeper, fine meals, and designer accessories, is unlikely to be affected by the dispute. The arrangements for Choupette, including a gift of $1.5 million to the housekeeper Françoise Caçote, were made during Lagerfeld’s lifetime.
Jondeau, Lagerfeld’s assistant, was exceptionally close to the designer, attending to him during his illness and holding knowledge of the designer’s final wishes, including the location of his ashes. Röthig said, “Lagerfeld wanted to disappear from the world as quietly as he arrived, and that symbolizes a lot about his life and legacy.”
The potential heirs from Lagerfeld’s family include children of his deceased sisters, Christiane and Thea. Christiane’s surviving children; Paul and Roger Johnson and Caroline Wilcox could inherit, though they were reportedly distant from Lagerfeld, with Roger previously stating he would likely decline a share due to their estranged relationship. Lagerfeld also designed Wilcox’s wedding dress in 1992 at her request.
Thea’s daughter, Thoma Gräfin von der Schulenburg, may also be named in the inheritance should the contestation succeed.
Lagerfeld’s estate has faced additional challenges. French tax authorities dispute his claim of residency in Monaco, asserting that his primary residence was in Paris, resulting in an unpaid tax bill estimated between €20 million and €40 million.
