Karl Lagerfeld has responded to criticism over his recent comments that Adele is "a little too fat".

The fashion designer said the words were taken out of context and added: "She is my favourite singer and I am a great admirer of her."

The remarks were published earlier this week after the 78-year-old was guest editing the Metro newspaper in Paris.

In the statement, Lagerfeld said his comments were actually in relation to American singer Lana Del Rey.

"Sometimes when you take a sentence out of the article it changes the meaning of the thought," said the German designer.

"What I said was in relation to Lana Del Rey and the sentence has since been taken out of context from how it was originally published."

In the original interview, Lagerfeld was quoted as saying Adele was "a little too fat, but has a beautiful face and a divine voice".

He also called Russian men "ugly" and said Greeks and Italians had "disgusting habits".

The German, who is Chanel's head designer and creative director, also mentioned in his statement that he sympathised with pressure to look a certain way.

"I lost over 30 kilos over 10 years ago and have kept it off," said Lagerfeld.

"I know how it feels when the press is mean to you in regards to your appearance."

Appearing to backtrack further from the controversy, he added: "Adele is a beautiful girl. She is the best. And I can't wait for her next CD."

The British singer meanwhile is gearing up for her big comeback performance at Sunday's Grammy awards in LA.

The 23-year-old, who's been out of action following throat surgery, is up for six awards including album and song of the year.