By Emily Borrett.

Like Coco herself, Karl Lagerfeld has become as iconic as the famous double C’s that immediately spring to mind when we think of the fashion uber-brand that is Chanel. Having swept in wearing leather gloves, a silk tuxedo and that starched-looking white ponytail, he is the grandpappy of Parisian fashion.

Which is why we couldn’t ever imagine Chanel without Karl – the man has done the undoable and carried on Coco Chanel’s legacy of timeless French style effortlessly, churning out collection after collection of jaw-droppingly, sickeningly gorgeous clothes, and each more innovative than the last. Just when you think he’s at the peak of his creative ability, BAM! he sends out a new dress at Paris Fashion Week that makes you faint.

We may not want to think about Chanel without Monsieur Lagerfeld, but it looks like he is. In an interview with Numero magazine, in which he was asked about who he would choose to take over, Karl responded: “I have a contract for life so it all depends on who I would like to hand it to… At the moment I’d say Haider Ackermann.”

For those of you unfamiliar with Haider, he’s been slowly creeping up on the fashion radar for a while – and if his SS2011 collection shown at Paris is anything to go by, I’m not sure I’d mind if Karl eventually handed over the torch to him. (Very eventually, though. Don’t leave us yet, Karl. Sob!)

To check out Haider’s most recent collection, click here. We want to know what you think – do you think that Haider has got something special to bring to the table, or should Karl think again? Comment below with your opinions.