Franca Sozzani Dies: Remembering Her Life and Legacy
Few fashion editors made the kind of impact Vogue Italia's Franca Sozzani did, who we are sad to report passed away today after battling a year-long illness. In a post on Vogue.com, Anna Wintour had the most heartfelt words to share about the icon: "She made everything she worked on appear effortless, regardless of whether it was an event for several hundred; a whirlwind trip to Africa to support the continent’s emerging designers; or the creation of yet another newsworthy, provocative, and utterly spellbinding issue of Italian Vogue." We too have been inspired, fascinated, and forever changed by Franca's work which regularly blended high fashion with social issues. Though her mark on the industry and the world are indelible, these nine moments truly emphasized her brilliance.
Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia1/10Her decision to embrace the curvy model
For the glossy's June 2011 issue, Sozzani cast four plus-size models for the cover: Marquita Pring, Tara Lynn, Candice Huffine and Robyn Lawley. Though the industry still has a long way to go when it comes to embracing women with curves, the late editrix absolutely moved the conversation forward.
2/10Her diversity strides
Not only did Franca release an all-black issue of Vogue Italia in 2008, but there's an entire section of the glossy's site that is dedicated to black women called VBLACK. Some have stated that she should regularly feature black women in the magazine's high-fashion coverage instead of separating them, but we believe it was still an important statement for one of the world's biggest brands to make, especially as diversity and inclusivity continue to be areas for improvement in fashion.
Getty Images3/10Her acceptance of blogs
This year, there was a great deal of chatter around bloggers and influencers and whether or not they actually belong in the fashion fold: despite their already tremendous success and global sphere of power. Though Franca was hesitant to engage with the blogging set at first, she went on to fully embrace them — and did so in 2011, long before the rest of her peers. In an interview that year, she stated: "Blogs can be used in a very creative way and it is very inspiring for us to read blogs from different countries, different mentalities, different vision." Way to blaze trails, Franca.
Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia4/10Spreading awareness of domestic violence through editorial
Domestic abuse is down 23 percent in Italy this year we're happy to report, but it is still a huge problem in the country and all across the world. Two years ago, Sozzani sought to speak out about the problem through an editorial shot by famed photographer Steven Meisel. "This is really a horror show, what we are looking at and what we see every day in every newspaper around the world is how fragile the woman still is today, and how she can be attacked, can be abused, can be killed," she said in an interview with The Independent. If anyone ever feels the need to mention's fashion's frivolity to you, you can bring up this instance for how the medium can be used to spread awareness and save lives.
Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia5/10Shining a spotlight on plastic surgery
Plastic surgery is one of the biggest global phenomenons, with men and women around the world opting for changes to their form as quickly as we can complete an online purchase. Over a decade ago, Sozzani put an editorial spin on the classic nip/tuck on Linda Evangelista, Jessica Stam, and other models for the magazine's June 2005 issue.
Getty Images for FENDI6/10Her humility
In this new world order, it is absolutely appropriate to praise someone for grace, humility, and fairness. Many icons like Sozzani would never apologize, but in 2011 after some images of Karlie Kloss that raised a few eyebrows, she admitted a mistake she made and came to the model's defense. We need more of this in not only fashion, but the world.
Getty Images7/10Her style
Let's be honest: no one could rock a floor-length gown like Franca Sozzani. In an industry that is still unfairly skewed toward youth, she wholly embodied the idea that your style truly does get better with age. The wavy-haired fashion maven knew her signature and played around with her hair when the event called for it: like the retro-inspired flip she wore at the La Traviata Premiere in Rome this May. We're going to invest in some seriously gorgeous maxi dresses in 2017 because of her.
Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia8/10Her commitment to ageless fashion
Last year, Sozzani showed just how ageless fashion can be by casting the likes of Yasmin Warsame, China Machado, and Kaia Gerber for high-fashion spreads and a stunning cover.
WireImage9/10Her Legacy
If you love film and photography, then you've absolutely heard of Francesco Carrozzini. He's also Sozzani's son (of course, brilliance runs in the family). He made a documentary with her at the center, titled Franca: Chaos and Creation. It garnered rave reviews at film festivals all over the world this year and is set to be released on DVD in 2017. Her son will ensure her legacy will never be forgotten.
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