Karl Lagerfeld will never retire.

The German fashion designer is arguably one of the hardest-working men in fashion and despite turning 80 next month he is adamant that he will not retire as his work is ''perfect'', believing that giving it up like giving up on life.

He explained: ''Why should I stop working? If I do, I'll die and it'll all be finished.

''There's something boring about people who have to go to an office for a living. I wanted to do this job since I was a child. I love fashion.

''I'm lucky to work in the most perfect of conditions. I can do what I want in all kinds of areas. The expenses are not expenses. I would be stupid to stop that. Work is making a living out of being bored.''

The outspoken sartorialist - who directs fashion houses Chanel, Fendi and Karl Lagerfeld Paris - revealed his decision when talking to VogueTV at the London launch of the Chanel Little Black Jacket exhibition which celebrated one of the house's most iconic piece.

With guests at the event ranging from Kanye West to Alexa Chung Karl's admitted that his muse of choice is a much less-known name.

He added: ''One of my favourites is of a woman with white hair and no make-up called Micheline Chaban-Delmas, the widow of a former French president.

''She is genius and she is in competition with nobody. It has nothing to do with fame, beauty or youth - she is beyond that. No make-up, no botox, nothing. That's why that one is the best.''