A legal battle is brewing over the late Karl Lagerfeld’s impressive €200 million (£173 million) fortune, primarily bequeathed to his cherished entourage and his beloved cat, Choupette. Following the iconic designer’s passing in February 2019, a contestation of his will has emerged that could redirect a significant portion of his estate towards his only living relatives—his nieces and nephews—under French inheritance law.
The Contestation Unfolds
Reports from German media indicate an unknown individual is challenging Lagerfeld’s will, which was last updated in April 2016. This document allocated the majority of Lagerfeld’s wealth to his long-time assistant, Sébastien Jondeau, along with his godson Hudson Kroenig, and models Brad Kroenig and Baptiste Giabiconi. Lagerfeld famously claimed in a 2015 interview with *The New York Times Magazine* that he had “no family at all,” highlighting his estrangement from his sister Christiane and her children.
The will also notably provided for Choupette, Lagerfeld’s pampered Birman cat, who was to be cared for by his former housekeeper, Françoise Caçote. Along with the feline, Choupette inherited a house with a garden and a financial provision of approximately $1.5 million (£1.1 million). Known for her luxurious lifestyle, Choupette was accustomed to travelling in style and dining on four gourmet meals a day, all prepared to her discerning palate.
Lagerfeld’s Family Dynamics
Lagerfeld’s relationship with his family was complicated. Though he had no children, he had two sisters, Christiane and Thea, both of whom had passed before him. The designer last saw Christiane back in 1974, and while he did design a wedding dress for his niece Caroline Wilcox in 1992, he remained largely disconnected from his relatives. They were noticeably absent from the fashion icon’s world, with none invited to the 2023 Met Gala, where Lagerfeld’s legacy was celebrated as the theme of the event.
Roger Johnson, Lagerfeld’s nephew and a truck driver from Portland, Connecticut, expressed his detachment from the designer’s extravagant lifestyle. Having met Lagerfeld only a handful of times during his childhood, he stated, “I probably would deny it. Money doesn’t mean anything to me. I’m just a regular guy, dude.” This sentiment raises questions about the motivations of Lagerfeld’s relatives now seeking a share of his fortune.
Choupette: The Feline Heiress
Choupette’s life, which included a personal chef and bodyguard, is a testament to Lagerfeld’s affection for his feline companion. In an interview, Caçote remarked on Choupette’s “princess-like” demeanour, stating that both she and the cat are “very selective” about their engagements. Despite the legal turbulence surrounding Lagerfeld’s will, Choupette’s extravagant existence is likely to remain unaffected.
The executor of Lagerfeld’s will, Christian Boisson, has notified the designer’s surviving relatives of the legal challenge. If the will is deemed invalid under French law—where Lagerfeld resided—the estate could be redistributed among his next of kin, a scenario that would fundamentally alter the intended distribution of his wealth.
Why it Matters
This unfolding saga highlights the complexities surrounding inheritance and family dynamics, particularly when intertwined with fame and fortune. As Lagerfeld’s legacy is scrutinised, the case raises important questions about the bonds of family, the nature of wealth, and the lasting impact of personal relationships. The outcome could redefine the distribution of one of fashion’s most significant fortunes, while also shining a light on the enduring bond between a man and his beloved pet.
