Karl Lagerfeld, the iconic designer behind Chanel and Fendi, was known for his enigmatic persona and unparalleled vision in fashion. But beyond the dark sunglasses and silver ponytail, Lagerfeld harbored a deep affection for someone truly special: his cat, Choupette. This wasn’t just any pet; Choupette Lagerfeld was a Birman feline who lived a life of unimaginable luxury, becoming a star in her own right and solidifying her place in pop culture. Rumors even swirled that this pampered pet was set to inherit a portion of Lagerfeld’s vast fortune after his passing in 2019, highlighting just how central Choupette was to his world.
While Lagerfeld was intensely private about his personal life, he readily spoke about Choupette and his profound bond with her. In a Numéro magazine interview, he described her as a calming presence, stating, “She is peaceful, funny, fun, and gracious, she’s pretty to look at and has good poise, but her main quality is that she doesn’t talk.” This sentiment reveals a glimpse into Lagerfeld’s appreciation for tranquility and the uncomplicated companionship he found in Choupette.
He even went as far as to say that Choupette made him a “nicer person.” Speaking to PEOPLE in 2019, Lagerfeld explained, “Because there is something very touching about her, you see. Even if she is spoiled beyond.” This statement underscores the genuine affection and almost paternal love Lagerfeld felt for his feline companion, acknowledging her spoiled nature while emphasizing the positive impact she had on his life.
Following Lagerfeld’s death from pancreatic cancer in February 2019 at the age of 85, Choupette’s Instagram account shared a poignant message, capturing the world’s attention. Alongside a photo of Choupette in a black veil, the caption read, “With a once cold but now simply broken heart, I am going into mourning. I pray that your kind words and well-wishes will help me to put my best paw forward in my future without Daddy @KarlLagerfled & as my own woman.” This heartfelt message, crafted from the perspective of the cat, further cemented Choupette’s celebrity status and resonated with fans globally.
In the years since Lagerfeld’s passing, Choupette has continued to honor his memory, even being invited to the prestigious 2023 Met Gala, which fittingly celebrated Lagerfeld’s legacy. Although she chose to remain “cozy at home,” numerous celebrities, including Jared Leto, paid homage to Choupette at the event, demonstrating her enduring influence.
Lagerfeld’s bond with Choupette was undeniable. He confessed in a 2017 CNBC interview that he never imagined he could love an animal so deeply, explaining that Choupette “gives energy” and leaves him feeling “recharged.” Their connection was a source of joy and inspiration for the designer, and continues to fascinate the world.
Let’s delve deeper into the captivating story of Choupette, Karl Lagerfeld’s beloved cat, and explore the extraordinary life she leads.
From Model’s Pet to Lagerfeld’s Muse: Choupette’s Adoption Story
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Choupette’s journey into Lagerfeld’s life began in 2011, a serendipitous adoption that changed both their lives forever. She was initially the pet of French model Baptiste Giabiconi.
As Lagerfeld recounted to Numéro magazine in 2016, Giabiconi had to leave for a vacation and entrusted Choupette to the care of Lagerfeld’s household staff. During this brief period, Lagerfeld was completely charmed by the then-kitten. “She was still a baby at the time, and I found her so cute that when Baptiste came home I said to him, ‘Sorry but I’m keeping her!'” From that moment on, the fashion titan and the белоснежный Birman cat became inseparable, forging a bond that would captivate the world.
A Name as Sweet as Her Demeanor: The Meaning of Choupette
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The name “Choupette” itself is French for “sweetie,” a term of endearment that perfectly encapsulates her perceived personality. However, for Lagerfeld, “Choupette” held a deeper, more personal significance, extending beyond just his feline companion.
In a 2018 interview with British Vogue, Lagerfeld revealed that “Choupette” was a pet name he used for certain individuals even before his cat came into his life. “There are people I call my Choupettes. [Luna Bijl] and the daughter of Vanessa Paradis, Lily-Rose Depp, they are my Choupettes,” he explained.
These “Choupettes” were part of Lagerfeld’s inner circle, a Chanel squad of sorts, comprising models and celebrities he admired and enjoyed collaborating with. This context adds another layer to the name, signifying not just sweetness, but also a sense of exclusivity and belonging within Lagerfeld’s world.
Instagram Icon and Global Sensation: Choupette’s Rise to Fame
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Choupette’s fame transcended the typical pet celebrity status. After frequently appearing on Lagerfeld’s own Instagram, she gained such popularity that she warranted her own dedicated account. With the guidance of her social media director, Ashley Tschudin, @choupetteofficiel was born and quickly amassed a significant following, currently boasting over 150,000 devoted fans.
In a 2012 interview with British Vogue, Lagerfeld humorously acknowledged Choupette’s burgeoning fame eclipsing his own. “You know, personally, I don’t even think I’m that famous. Now, Choupette really is famous. She has become the most famous cat in the world.” This playful remark highlights the genuine public fascination with Choupette and her luxurious lifestyle.
Lagerfeld further mentioned receiving offers from pet food companies, which he promptly declined, emphasizing Choupette’s non-commercial nature in that context. This decision reinforced her image as a sophisticated muse rather than just a brand ambassador, carefully curated by Lagerfeld himself.
Dining in Style: Choupette’s Gourmet Meals and Refined Palate
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In the later years of Lagerfeld’s life, Choupette became an integral part of his daily routine, even joining him for meals. In his Numéro interview, Lagerfeld revealed their regular dining arrangements, emphasizing Choupette’s discerning taste.
“She sits opposite me and eats what she has to eat,” he explained. Her culinary preferences were far from ordinary. “Before she might have attacked any old prawn, but now she will only touch the four different dishes prepared for her on that day, served in fabulous bowls. Everything must be very fresh, otherwise Mademoiselle sits in front of her biscuits for three quarters of an hour giving me filthy looks, without eating a thing.”
Choupette’s dining experience was akin to that of a pampered celebrity. She refused to eat from the floor, so her food was served on the table in Goyard dishes. Renowned chefs prepared special meals for her, including gourmet options like “Japanese-style beef” and “chicken gelée with asparagus,” showcasing the extraordinary lengths Lagerfeld went to cater to her refined palate.
The Royal Treatment: A Glimpse into Choupette’s Pampered World
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Lagerfeld openly admitted to spoiling Choupette, and even after his death, her luxurious lifestyle has been maintained. Choupette’s staff included at least two dedicated maids, a personal driver, and her social media manager, illustrating the extensive team dedicated to her well-being.
Her maids meticulously documented their daily activities in a personal diary, detailing every aspect of Choupette’s care for Lagerfeld to review. She enjoyed regular manicures and even owned her own iPad, further emphasizing the extent of her pampered existence.
In a 2015 interview with The Cut, Lagerfeld humorously described Choupette’s personality, stating, “She hates animals and she hates children.” He added that her maids not only entertained her but also meticulously maintained her pristine white fur and provided beauty treatments for her eyes. Lagerfeld considered her “the center of the world,” seeing her as an “inspiration for elegance” and “attitude,” solidifying her role as more than just a pet, but a muse.
Impeccably Clean and Naturally Elegant: Choupette’s Fastidious Nature
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Cats are generally known for their cleanliness, but Choupette took it to an exceptional level. Lagerfeld noted in his 2016 Numero interview that even as a kitten, Choupette was remarkably clean, “never soiled the floor.”
He further elaborated on her fastidious nature, stating that she “spends her life washing herself” and “smells very good.” Lagerfeld even remarked on her “nice natural odor,” contrasting it humorously with others, emphasizing her inherent refinement and elegance.
Runway Ready: Choupette’s Successful Modeling Career
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Beyond her pampered lifestyle, Choupette carved out a successful modeling career, earning millions of Euros through various high-profile gigs, as Lagerfeld mentioned to The Cut.
One notable venture was her capsule cosmetics collection with Japanese beauty brand Shu Uemura. The “Shupette” collection, launched in 2014 in collaboration with Lagerfeld, was a testament to her brand appeal. That same year, Choupette’s book, Choupette: The Private Life of a High-Flying Fashion Cat, was published, featuring her modeling photos and lifestyle advice, further solidifying her image as a fashion icon.
In 2015, Choupette and Lagerfeld co-starred in a collection for his eponymous clothing line, sold on StyleBop.com. French artist Tiffany Cooper created playful illustrations of Lagerfeld and Choupette on a “summer road trip,” adorning shirts and accessories, showcasing Choupette’s versatility as a muse.
After Lagerfeld’s death, Choupette’s social media director announced a commemorative “RIP Daddy” collection, featuring shirts, hoodies, and mugs as a tribute, demonstrating her enduring presence in the fashion world.
Life After Lagerfeld: Honoring a Legacy and Continuing to Shine
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In August 2022, Choupette celebrated her 11th birthday in extravagant style, documented on Instagram with photos of her on a private jet amidst champagne, balloons, and gifts. The caption read, “Happy birthday to me🥂,” expressing gratitude for the “little party” and the private jet, “in memory of the many trips with my daddy❤️ .”
According to the New York Times, Choupette currently resides in Paris with her nanny, Francoise Cacote, Lagerfeld’s former housekeeper. Her lifestyle remains one of luxury and pampering, a testament to Lagerfeld’s enduring legacy.
In April 2023, Choupette graced the pages of Vogue, nestled in Naomi Campbell’s arms, as part of a tribute to Lagerfeld. This appearance further cemented her status as a fashion icon and a continuing symbol of Lagerfeld’s influence.
Met Gala Muse: Honoring Lagerfeld’s Legacy on Fashion’s Biggest Night
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Given the 2023 Met Gala theme, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” an invitation for Choupette was inevitable. Her agent confirmed to the New York Post that she was officially on the guest list, recognizing her central role in Lagerfeld’s legacy.
Prior to the event, Choupette even assisted Kim Kardashian in choosing her Met Gala look during a visit to Lagerfeld’s Paris office. Kardashian shared photos on Instagram, captioning them, “Had a date with @choupetteofficiel in Paris. We then spent some time at @karllagerfeld’s office to get a little inspiration for the Met,” showcasing Choupette’s ongoing influence.
Despite the invitation, Choupette ultimately decided to stay home on Met Monday. A post on her Instagram explained, “Many people invited me to walk the red carpet of the #METGALA2023 in tribute to Daddy, but we preferred to stay peacefully & cozy at home,” emphasizing her preference for a tranquil life while still honoring Lagerfeld.
Celebrity Tributes: Met Gala Homages to Choupette
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Despite Choupette’s absence from the Met Gala red carpet, several celebrities paid creative and memorable tributes to her. Jared Leto, Lil Nas X, and Doja Cat all incorporated Choupette-inspired elements into their Met Gala looks.
Jared Leto made a grand entrance in a full-body, life-sized cat costume replicating Choupette. While he later removed the furry suit, he carried a Choupette head as a playful photo prop throughout the evening, generating significant buzz.
Lil Nas X, adorned in silver crystals, sported beaded whiskers and cat-like nails, while Doja Cat took feline transformation to another level with facial prosthetics, embodying a cat-like persona. Her custom Oscar de la Renta gown featured cat ears and a hood, completing her homage. These tributes underscored Choupette’s profound impact on fashion and popular culture, solidifying her status as a true muse.
In conclusion, Choupette Lagerfeld is far more than just Karl Lagerfeld’s cat; she is a fashion icon, a social media sensation, and a symbol of an extraordinary bond. Her story is a captivating blend of luxury, fame, and the unique relationship between a legendary designer and his beloved feline companion. Choupette’s legacy continues to resonate, reminding us of the power of personal connection and the enduring allure of the fashion world, even through the life of a pampered and much-loved cat.
