An unnamed plaintiff has launched a legal challenge against the will of the late Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld, potentially overturning the distribution of his estimated €200 million fortune. The estate’s executor, Christian Boisson, has written to Lagerfeld’s surviving nieces and nephews to inform them they could inherit if the case succeeds, according to German media reports. However, the care of Lagerfeld’s beloved cat, Choupette, is unaffected as provisions were made before his death.
Lagerfeld, who died in 2019 aged 85, left no spouse, children, or surviving siblings. His will, dated 29 April 2016, excluded his nieces and nephews, instead bequeathing his wealth to a close circle including his assistant Sébastien Jondeau, godson Hudson Kroenig, and models Brad Kroenig and Baptiste Giabiconi. The plaintiff must argue that Lagerfeld was not of sound mind when signing the will, with French and Monegasque law likely to apply due to his primary residence in Monaco.
Choupette, the 14-year-old Birman cat, continues to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle funded by a home, garden, and bank account left to housekeeper Françoise Caçote. This gift, made before Lagerfeld’s death, is considered beyond legal challenge. Choupette has her own verified Instagram account with 278,000 followers and has earned income as an advertising mascot.
Lagerfeld’s estate includes luxury properties in Paris and Biarritz, a sizeable stock portfolio, and collections of art and rare books. The designer was estranged from his relatives for decades, with a 2023 BBC documentary revealing he had not seen one niece in 50 years. Another niece described him as “generous” but expected nothing from his will. This is not the first threat to the estate; French authorities have reportedly demanded up to €40 million in back taxes.
