On the third day of the Milan Fashion Week, the show by Fendi was on the program. This season it was the show par excellence. Because only two days ago Karl Lagerfeld had died - previously creative director of the Roman fashion house, together with Silvia Venturini Fendi responsible for the women's collection.

In the audience at the fashion show in Milan sat long-time friends of the fashion designer, former colleagues and numerous journalists and fashion experts. Lagerfeld, who died Tuesday at the age of 85, had worked for Fendi for more than 50 years.

"Love Karl" stood above the entrance to the backstage area, from which the models came out to present the Fall / Winter 2019/20 collection. The same lettering was on a small card flanked by a large "F" for Fendi and a heart on the chairs.

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"The connection between Karl Lagerfeld and Fendi is the longest love story in fashion history and will keep us moving for many years to come," commented Silvia Venturini Fendi in a fashion show booklet.

The collection: strict coats and delicate dresses with large loops on the back. Pleated, wide, long skirts. Perforated leather. Muted colors, a few bold accents. And, yes, also fur. Because that's the origin of the label. For the finale, all models appeared again. As always.

Then Silvia Venturini Fendi stepped on the catwalk. Alone. The first time. The tears were in her eyes. She waved briefly and disappeared again. The guests jumped up, wanted to leave. It's Fashion Week and show after show. There is not much time left for sentimentality. Suddenly the light went out.

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Karl Lagerfeld: His life in pictures

The people remained confused, sat down again. In a video played Karl Lagerfeld was seen. First drawing, then talking. He described the outfit he wore on his very first day at Fendi - in 1965. Lagerfeld was much longer there than Chanel, although his name is more associated with the Paris fashion house.

Just a few days before his death, he and Venturini were on the phone, "and his whole concern was the beauty of the collection," she said. This was "a true legacy of his personality."