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Whether for better or worse, celebrities are the currency of the modern world, but in fashion’s universe, Franca Sozzani was a true star in every sense of the word.
Formidable magazine boss, fashion visionary, designer mentor and philanthropist, the VOGUE Italia editor-in-chief and United Nations ambassador was – quite remarkably – incredibly popular, respected, hard-working and famed for her humility and warmth, despite ruling an industry best known for its devilish figureheads.
Franca Sozzani was always so nice and sincere. You will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/B2Y7OM1uEy
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) December 22, 2016
Her passing yesterday at the age of just 66, with her beloved son by her side and following a year-long illness, has sent waves of genuine sadness throughout the industry and celebrities who were lucky enough to have known her. She was without doubt, one of the most influential fashion authorities in the world over the past three decades.
?? my deepest condolences to her family ❤️ RIP #francasozzani vogueitalia https://t.co/SpQieqP8tl
— Sara Sampaio (@SaraSampaio) December 22, 2016
Being humble, generous and extremely talented is possible. The art from Franca is eternal. #FrancaSozzani #ICON pic.twitter.com/PSTSUgieOG
— Carla Bruni (@carlabrunimadit) December 22, 2016
Having worked at VOGUE her entire career – she started at the Italian masthead’s Bambini edition in the 1970s, working her way up to editor of the main fashion edition, where she ruled for 28 years – Sozzani was famous for embracing controversy and challenging the status quo with both her magazine shoots and features, which addressed touchy subjects like plastic surgery and the weight debate.
RIP #FrancaSozzani ? Her incredible contribution to fashion will be missed. pic.twitter.com/MnvA2jRb3c
— Marc Jacobs (@marcjacobs) December 22, 2016
In 2007 she created her famous all-black issue. Three years later she launched an offshoot called VOGUE Curvy, staffed entirely by stylish plus-sized women: “Fashion for women with shapely bodies, curvy models and the news from plus-
Earlier this year, a documentary about her called Franca: Chaos and Creation premiered at the 73rd Venice Film Festival to wide acclaim. The fact that the filmmaker Francesco Carrozzini was also her devoted son just added to its impact, with critics likening it to a moving love letter between parent and child.
Sozzani and her son Francesco Carrozzini at the 73rd Venice Film Festival in September 2016
Credit: Getty Images
As co-founder of The Child Priority Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping the less fortunate who display talent and artistic potential, which has raised almost €11million (A$16m) since its inception, she has supported children in the likes of Africa and Jordan, as well as the western world.
Her passing leaves a wide hole in the fashion media and industry as a whole. Little wonder there’s been an outpouring on social media of tributes from the designers and celebrities who both knew and loved her, with former French First Lady Carla Bruni’s words the best summery of feeling: “Being humble, generous and extremely talented is possible. The art from Franca is eternal.”
Rest in peace, Franca Sozzani – a woman who forever changed fashion and the world as a whole.
Carla Bruni and Franca Sozzoni in 2015
Credit: Getty Images
#RIP #FrancaSozzani your legacy will live on in the pages of @VogueItalia.
— Choupette Lagerfeld (@ChoupettesDiary) December 22, 2016
Giorgio Armani via Instagram: “No one has been able to reinvent reality like Franca Sozzani has, illustrating it regularly in a tasteful and creative manner. She shaped things her own way and that never went unnoticed. I am truly going to miss looking for her in the darkness of the theatre.”
Donatella Versace via Instagram: “Ciao Franca, my dearest friend. You will be in my heart forever”
