Karl Lagerfeld (aka the designer who nevers sleeps) has been awarded France’s highest civilian award, the Legion of Honor, by French President Nicolas Sarkozy (aka the President who never sleeps).

According to wwd.com, Lagerfeld’s medal is a one-of-a-kind creation made to order by the French Mint and Chanel’s high jewellery workshops as a surprise for the designer.

Lagerfeld was apparently lost for words but managed to say, “If it wasn’t for 99 percent of the people in this room, it would all amount to nothing. So in fact, this is for me but it is also for all of you.”

Following the ceremony, Sarkozy’s wife Carla Bruni (who is an old friend of Lagerfeld – he has even photographed her nude) threw a surprise garden party for the Kaiser.