Toscani's legacy as a groundbreaking artist and social commentator lives on, having transformed the fashion advertising landscape with his bold presentations of pressing social issues.
Oliviero Toscani, Renowned Benetton Photographer, Passes Away at 82
Oliviero Toscani, Renowned Benetton Photographer, Passes Away at 82
Oliviero Toscani, the provocative fashion photographer famous for his daring ad campaigns for Benetton, has died at age 82, as confirmed by his family.
Oliviero Toscani, the celebrated fashion photographer who revolutionized advertising with controversial campaigns for Benetton, has died at the age of 82. His family confirmed the news, stating he passed away peacefully, representing a farewell to the man who used fashion as a platform for social critique.
Initially hospitalized near his Tuscan home for complications related to amyloidosis — a rare, often terminal illness — Toscani's health decline was shared by his wife Kirsti on social media. His poignant words before hospitalization reflected his disinterest in living without quality as he candidly discussed his 40 kg weight loss due to the illness.
Toscani was a pivotal figure in intertwining the worlds of fashion and social activism, tackling formidable themes like AIDS, racism, and the death penalty. A representative from Benetton paid tribute by sharing one of his iconic works from 1989, emphasizing how his images taught that sometimes “words simply don't suffice.”
Born on February 28, 1942, in Milan, Toscani was the son of a photographer and an alumnus of an art school in Zurich. His portfolio includes collaborations with prominent magazines like Vogue and GQ, and he played a crucial role in launching the career of renowned model Monica Bellucci.
His groundbreaking role as Benetton's art director saw him blend fashion and social responsibility, famously promoting the "United Colours of Benetton" message by featuring models of diverse backgrounds. However, his work was not without controversy; he faced backlash for graphic images, including one showcasing a dying AIDS patient and imagery related to war, which prompted criticism and boycotts.
Despite parting ways with Benetton in 2000 due to disputes over a provocative campaign featuring death row inmates, Toscani continued to challenge cultural norms and provoke thought through his art. Notably, in 2007, his striking image of a model suffering from anorexia sparked global conversations about the fashion industry's responsibility towards body representation.
Toscani briefly resumed collaboration with Benetton in 2017, but after diminishing sensitivity regarding tragic events — exemplified by a remark about the Morandi Bridge disaster — he found himself estranged again. He is survived by his wife and three children, whose lives were undoubtedly impacted by his transformative vision and commitment to social change through art.
Initially hospitalized near his Tuscan home for complications related to amyloidosis — a rare, often terminal illness — Toscani's health decline was shared by his wife Kirsti on social media. His poignant words before hospitalization reflected his disinterest in living without quality as he candidly discussed his 40 kg weight loss due to the illness.
Toscani was a pivotal figure in intertwining the worlds of fashion and social activism, tackling formidable themes like AIDS, racism, and the death penalty. A representative from Benetton paid tribute by sharing one of his iconic works from 1989, emphasizing how his images taught that sometimes “words simply don't suffice.”
Born on February 28, 1942, in Milan, Toscani was the son of a photographer and an alumnus of an art school in Zurich. His portfolio includes collaborations with prominent magazines like Vogue and GQ, and he played a crucial role in launching the career of renowned model Monica Bellucci.
His groundbreaking role as Benetton's art director saw him blend fashion and social responsibility, famously promoting the "United Colours of Benetton" message by featuring models of diverse backgrounds. However, his work was not without controversy; he faced backlash for graphic images, including one showcasing a dying AIDS patient and imagery related to war, which prompted criticism and boycotts.
Despite parting ways with Benetton in 2000 due to disputes over a provocative campaign featuring death row inmates, Toscani continued to challenge cultural norms and provoke thought through his art. Notably, in 2007, his striking image of a model suffering from anorexia sparked global conversations about the fashion industry's responsibility towards body representation.
Toscani briefly resumed collaboration with Benetton in 2017, but after diminishing sensitivity regarding tragic events — exemplified by a remark about the Morandi Bridge disaster — he found himself estranged again. He is survived by his wife and three children, whose lives were undoubtedly impacted by his transformative vision and commitment to social change through art.
