Several Canadian fashion and design experts who knew couture icon Karl Lagerfeld are recalling a powerful visionary whose influence lives on in their work. Former model Tricia Helfer says she met the style icon after being cast in a Chanel fashion show in 1992. Helfer says Lagerfeld was kind and the very first one to take a chance on her when she was just starting out in the fashion business at 18. Toronto-based fashion designer Bojana Sentaler says she met Lagerfeld 10 years ago in Dubai where he gave her the push she needed to pursue a career in fashion. A year after their meeting, she launched her luxury outerwear brand that has been worn by members of Britain's Royal Family. Fashion journalist Jeanne Beker met Lagerfeld many times over the decades and recalls "a master showman" who mentored and inspired her. Todd Cowan, co-founder and managing partner of Capital Developments, recalls a meticulous artist with a great sense of humour.