Franca Sozzani: Vogue Italia editor-in-chief dies age 66

Anna Wintour calls Sozzani 'the most hard-working person I have ever known'

Franca Sozzani (Getty)

Franca Sozzani, the longtime editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, has died aged 66.

The fashion journalist passed away on Thursday after a year-long illness with her son Francesco by her side, according to Conde Nast International chairman Jonathan Newhouse who described her as “one of the greatest editors who ever made a magazine”.

Sozzani became editor of the prestigious title in 1988 after stints at other Conde Nast titles. Fearless in the content she would cover, she often broke boundaries with issues devoted to a certain cause or global issue. These issues have included thought-provoking fashion shoots on violence against women and sustainability.

In 2008, she edited an issue featuring only black models leading supermodel Naomi Campbell to say Sozzani “doesn’t realise what she’s done for people of colour”. Sozzani later called the issue her proudest career moment.

US Vogue’s editor-in-chief Anna Wintour – who took the helm of the title in the same year Sozzani did – paid tribute to her friend of more than 30 years in an article for the magazine.

“In private, Franca was warm, clever, funny and someone who could give the sphinx a run for its money when it comes to keeping a confidence. She was also the hardest-working person I have known, and with an envy-inducing ease with multitasking”.

Sozanni visited London just three weeks ago to receive an award for “Positive Change” at the British Fashion Awards. Wintour described how despite being on oxygen, Sozzani was determined to be there in person.

Many from the world of fashion including Victoria Beckham, Kanye West and Georgio Armani paid tribute to the fashion mogul.

Additional reporting by the Associated Press.