Although much of Karl Lagerfeld’s legacy has been about his work at Chanel, he was just as important to Italian brand Fendi. A fixture in designer Silvia Venturini Fendi’s life since she was five, he wasn’t merely the company’s creative director—he was family.

When he was still alive, Lagerfeld was notorious for his work ethic and strong commitment to the fashion houses he worked at. He had lifetime contracts at both Fendi and Chanel, and didn’t seem to have any plans on stopping. When interviewed about his retirement plans in 2012, he famously said: “Why should I stop working? If I do, I'll die and it'll all be finished. I'm lucky to work in the most perfect of conditions. I can do what I want in all kinds of areas. The expenses are not expenses. I would be stupid to stop that. Work is making a living out of being bored."

And he stayed true to his word. In the show notes, Venturini Fendi reflected on his commitment to the house, mentioning how even in his last days his only thoughts were on the richness and beauty of the collection.