Karl Lagerfeld's cat to inherit part of $300 million fortune
What's the story
Karl Lagerfeld, an icon in the fashion industry, passed away on Tuesday, February 19, 2019. The German was at one time the creative director of esteemed brands such as Chanel and Fendi. It turns out that perhaps one thing he loved more than fashion was his cat Choupette, who stands to inherit a portion of Lagerfeld's $300 million fortune. Read all about it here.
Heir to fortune
Lagerfeld declared his cat as his heir
Lagerfeld, who passed away at the age of 85, had said in an interview with Numero last year that his cat would survive him as his heir and inherit a substantial part of his fortune. When the fashion icon's decision was met with skepticism, Lagerfeld defended his beloved feline and rebuked the naysayers, telling them, "Don't worry, there is enough for everyone".
Choupette
The lavish life of Choupette, Lagerfeld's cat
Choupette, meaning sweetheart in French, is a Burmese cat and has always lived a lavish life with Lagerfeld. She had maids hired for her, ensuring her comfort. The substantial inheritance that Lagerfeld is leaving behind will ensure that she continues enjoying the luxuries of life which include daily meals of caviar and chicken pâté, not to mention the travel on private jets.
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Lagerfeld might leverage German citizenship to leave Choupette as beneficiary
Lagerfeld, a resident of France, might have faced difficulty under French laws to make Choupette his heir since France disallows pets from receiving money from wills. Lagerfeld probably leveraged his German citizenship, a country allowing pets to be estate beneficiaries, to transfer money to Choupette.
Cat money
Choupette herself is quite the rich celebrity
Even without Lagerfeld's money, Choupette does well for herself. She has over 260,000 Instagram followers and has earned $3 million or Rs. 21 crore through ad appearances and sponsorships. Choupette has been the ambassador to Opel, the German automobile manufacturer and has launched her own lines with various brands like Shu Uemura, the makeup company, and Cheshire & Wain, the luxury cat-product producer.
Instagram Post
Choupette, in mourning, prepares to go forth without Lagerfeld
Richest pet
With Lagerfeld's inheritance, Choupette could be the world's richest cat
Lagerfeld had said about Choupette, "She has her own little fortune, she is an heiress. If something happens to me, the person who will take care of it will not be in misery... She's a rich girl!" This is true, and combined with whatever Lagerfeld has left her, Choupette could become the richest cat ever, with an immense stockpile of wealth running into millions.