In brief
Oliviero Toscani, the iconic photographer known for his stirring ad campaigns with Benetton, has died at 82, as confirmed by his family. Toscani's wife, Kirsti, shared the news on Instagram, remarking on the sorrow that accompanies his departure on January 13, 2025. Toscani had been battling amyloidosis, a rare disease affecting vital organs and nerves, and was hospitalized near his Tuscan residence shortly before his passing.
Born on February 28, 1942, in Milan, Toscani rose to fame as the art director for Benetton, where he served for nearly two decades. His work was characterized by a fearless approach to social issues, spotlighting Aids, racism, war, and the death penalty through unforgettable imagery. In memory of Toscani, Benetton released a photograph he took in 1989, honoring his impactful legacy.Throughout his illustrious career, Toscani's creative vision led him to collaborate with fashion magazines like Vogue and GQ, where he famously launched the careers of models such as Monica Bellucci. His memorable campaigns included striking visuals—like the blood-stained clothes of a soldier in Bosnia and the poignant photo of a dying man with Aids, which incited significant controversy and discussion.Despite facing backlash for pushing boundaries, Toscani believed in leveraging clothing as a platform for essential societal conversations. After his departure from Benetton in 2000 amid disputes over his provocative messages, he continued to provoke thought in the fashion industry, notably with an anti-anorexia campaign featuring a model whose extreme appearance raised questions about body image.Though he briefly returned to Benetton in 2017, he ultimately faced challenges that culminated in the end of their partnership in 2020 after a contentious comment regarding the Morandi Bridge disaster. Toscani is survived by his wife and their three children, Rocco, Lola, and Ali.
