Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, has passed away at age 66 in Milan, WWD confirms. The beloved editor had reportedly been battling a year-long illness.
Sozzani was appointed editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia in 1988 and has since led the publication through boundary-breaking editorials that used fashion to tackle cultural issues like racial inequality, domestic violence, and society's obsession with plastic surgery. The legendary editor was also behind the magazine's groundbreaking "Black Issue," in 2008, which exclusively featured women of color from start to finish. Her work is credited with turning the magazine into one of the most influential fashion publications in the world.
Earlier this month, Sozzani was the first recipient of The Swarovski Award for Positive Change for her philanthropic and fashion work over the years. In September, she was the subject of a documentary directed by her son, Francesco Carrozzini, titled Franca: Chaos and Creation.
Fashion insiders from Donatella Versace to Carine Roitfeld have taken to social media today to remember Sozzani's impact on the industry:
