The renowned photographer and art director, who revolutionized fashion advertising with his brave approach to social issues, passed away on January 13, 2025. His legacy is characterized by provocative visual storytelling that addressed pressing global matters such as racism, health crises, and human rights.
Oliviero Toscani: Trailblazing Photographer and Provocateur Passes Away at 82
Oliviero Toscani: Trailblazing Photographer and Provocateur Passes Away at 82
Italian fashion advertising icon Oliviero Toscani, known for his controversial campaigns with Benetton, has died at age 82 due to amyloidosis.
Oliviero Toscani, celebrated for his groundbreaking work in fashion photography, has passed away at the age of 82, according to his family. His wife, Kirsti, confirmed the news via an emotional Instagram post following his hospitalization due to amyloidosis, a rare medical condition affecting the vital organs.
Born on February 28, 1942, in Milan, Toscani became a pivotal figure in the fashion industry, especially during his 18-year association with Benetton. His campaigns were notable for their provocative and often controversial imagery that tackled social issues. Toscani's work famously included stark representations of the AIDS epidemic, war, and racial equality, making him a contentious figure as well.
Benetton issued a heartfelt tribute, sharing a photograph taken by Toscani in 1989 and expressing sorrow over his passing, affirming how his vision taught them that "words simply don't suffice." Throughout his illustrious career, Toscani worked with celebrated figures and contributed to premier fashion publications like Vogue and GQ, aiding in the emergence of prominent talents like Monica Bellucci.
Toscani's advertising campaigns often drew ire for their graphic content, such as images related to death row prisoners and soldiers in conflict. He firmly believed in using his art as a platform for raising awareness, stating that clothing could serve as a vehicle for discussing vital societal challenges.
In one of his later projects in 2007, Toscani's powerful imagery for an anti-anorexia campaign featured a severely underweight model and prompted intense discussions about body image in fashion, leading to a mix of endorsements and rejections across various markets.
Although he briefly resumed cooperation with Benetton in 2017, he was let go in 2020 after making remarks that were deemed insensitive regarding a tragic disaster. Toscani leaves behind his wife and three children, leaving an indelible mark on both the fashion and photographic industries.
Born on February 28, 1942, in Milan, Toscani became a pivotal figure in the fashion industry, especially during his 18-year association with Benetton. His campaigns were notable for their provocative and often controversial imagery that tackled social issues. Toscani's work famously included stark representations of the AIDS epidemic, war, and racial equality, making him a contentious figure as well.
Benetton issued a heartfelt tribute, sharing a photograph taken by Toscani in 1989 and expressing sorrow over his passing, affirming how his vision taught them that "words simply don't suffice." Throughout his illustrious career, Toscani worked with celebrated figures and contributed to premier fashion publications like Vogue and GQ, aiding in the emergence of prominent talents like Monica Bellucci.
Toscani's advertising campaigns often drew ire for their graphic content, such as images related to death row prisoners and soldiers in conflict. He firmly believed in using his art as a platform for raising awareness, stating that clothing could serve as a vehicle for discussing vital societal challenges.
In one of his later projects in 2007, Toscani's powerful imagery for an anti-anorexia campaign featured a severely underweight model and prompted intense discussions about body image in fashion, leading to a mix of endorsements and rejections across various markets.
Although he briefly resumed cooperation with Benetton in 2017, he was let go in 2020 after making remarks that were deemed insensitive regarding a tragic disaster. Toscani leaves behind his wife and three children, leaving an indelible mark on both the fashion and photographic industries.
