Karl Lagerfeld is surprised by his fame.

Chanel's creative director has become a celebrity in his own right thanks to his eccentric persona and trademark sombre style, but the designer doesn't understand why people are so fascinated by him.

He told French magazine Madame Figaro: ''It's quite funny to have managed to become famous despite not being an actor, a singer and not being 15 years old. Not a day goes by where I don't get presents, drawings, dolls ... from fans.''

The German-born star can pinpoint the moment his life changed and finds it funny people still like him after the negative comments he has made, such as slamming the Duchess of Cambridge's younger sister Pippa Middleton's looks.

Karl laughed: ''Probably [things started] with the H&M collection in 2004. I was known before that, of course, but after I wasn't able to cross the street without a bodyguard.

''People are very nice to me, even though I'm known for saying rude things...''

However, the 77-year-old designer insists he is a naturally easygoing person and never takes himself seriously.

Discussing his personality, he said: ''Calm, fuddy duddy even! Indifferent: I'm totally indifferent to unimportant things.

''I don't mind looking serious, but I don't want to take myself seriously. Some designers take themselves a bit too seriously, don't they?''