Mariuccia Mandelli, the founder of Krizia, one of Italy’s first ready-to-wear brands that helped build the country’s global fashion identity, died at the age of 90 on Sunday evening after a sudden illness.

Mario Boselli, honorary chairman of the Italian Chamber of Fashion, confirmed her death. Her funeral will be held Wednesday.

“She played a central role in shaping Milan’s ready-to-wear. She was very, very talented. Her archives are an example of innovation on materials, the shapes of her designs exceptional. I am glad that the Krizia brand was sold in time and that it will continue to live on,” Boselli said.

“It’s difficult to imagine Milan without Mariuccia Mandelli, who was among the great protagonists of the transformation of this city into capital of fashion,” said Giorgio Armani. “She was a woman with an irrepressible imagination and strong character, ready to dispute and battle. We have agreed on f ... Read more »