The fashion industry thrives on innovation, creativity, and the remarkable individuals who bring those visions to life. Each year, we celebrate new collections, groundbreaking designs, and transformative ideas that shape the world of style. But 2024 has also been marked by the loss of several influential figures who have left an indelible mark on the industry.
This year, the world of fashion mourns visionaries who redefined aesthetics, built lasting empires, and made space for new voices. From the pioneers who blazed trails decades ago to contemporary forces who shaped today’s trends, these individuals embodied the spirit of artistry and resilience. Each brought a unique perspective, from crafting couture to championing inclusivity, leaving behind not just memories but lasting contributions to fashion’s ever-evolving narrative.
In this memorial roundup, Fashon Reverie reflects on the remarkable individuals who passed away in 2024. Their lives and work remind us of the profound impact that dedication, talent, and passion can have.
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Iris Apfel
A textile expert, interior designer, and fashion celebrity known for her eccentric style, Iris Apfel passed away on March 1, 2024, at 102. Her bold fashion choices and larger-than-life personality made her a beloved figure in the fashion world, inspiring countless individuals to embrace personal expression and individuality.
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Isak Andic
Founder of the Spanish fashion brand Mango, Isak Andic tragically passed away in December of 2024, at 71. His vision and dedication transformed Mango from a single store in Barcelona into a global fashion powerhouse with 2,700 stores across 120 markets. Andic’s commitment to accessible yet stylish fashion resonated with millions worldwide.
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Mary McFadden
When one thinks of Mary McFadden you can imagine her black-bobbed hair, her signature big jewelry and pleated gowns. Most of us know McFadden as a fashion designer, but she was so much more than that. McFadden was former president of the Council of Fashion Designers (CFDA), and a one-time editor at Vogue.
When it comes to her fashion brand, McFadden’s garments were defined by her pleated dresses that draped like ‘liquid gold.’ The dresses were made from Marii, a synthetic charmeuse patented by McFadden in 1975 that was made in Australia, dyed in Japan, and then machine-pressed in the United States. These dresses were worn by American socialites in the 1970s. Mary McFadden died on September 13.
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Roberto Cavalli
A golden name in Italian fashion, Roberto Cavalli opened his boutique Limbo in Saint Tropez in 1970 with Brigitte Bardot becoming in early client. Cavalli took his collection to Paris in the fall of 1970, launching is women’s wear line in 1972 in Florence, Italy.
Cavalli had a breakthrough in his career in 1993 when he elasticized denim for a second-skin fit. “I was in America when Roberto was at the top of his career,” Fausto Puglisi, the creative director of the house tells Vogue Runway. “It was the “Sex and the City” time, it was all about Cavalli, Cavalli, Cavalli.”
“Roberto was a lion, his life was larger than life” former Cavalli creative director Peter Dundas says. “He definitely wrote a beautiful chapter in fashion; Cavalli was the epitome of the bold, the beautiful, the print—freedom.”
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Claude Montana
Padded big shoulders, a leather/bondage aesthetic, and big attachment to bold colors describes Claude Montana’s design DNA. Interestingly, early in his career Montana shared an apartment with Thierry Mugler, later they would become fierce rivals with similar design aesthetics.
Montana launched his ready-to-wear business in 1979. In June of 1979, Vogue reviewed his collection, declaring the collection the “most-talked-about look in Paris—for the shape, the shoulders. The surprise: This look is done without heavy padding, without stiffness, it’s all in the fabric … the design.”
As quickly as Claude Montana achieved success, his fall to obscurity was almost as quick. After being named as creative director of Lanvin in 1989, his contract with Lanvin ended in 1992 with his eponymous brand declaring bankruptcy in 1997.
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Rosita Missoni
The matriarch of the Missoni brand, Rosita Missoni, passed away on January 1, 2025. She transformed her family’s small knitwear business into a global fashion powerhouse. Known for her bold use of color and signature zigzag patterns, Rosita’s creative vision and business acumen left an indelible mark on the world of luxury fashion.
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Richard Renda
As a behind-the-scenes force in the fashion industry, Richard Renda passed away in September of 2024. He was known for his editorial prowess and keen eye for emerging talent as a stylist. As a runway photographer who controlled the risers during NYFW, who can forget Renda’s voice asking front-row attendees to “uncross their legs.” His dedication to showcasing avant-garde designs and fostering new voices made him a beloved figure in the creative community.
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Bruce Nordstrom
A retail visionary, Bruce Nordstrom passed away on May 18, 2024, at the age of 90. He led the transformation of his family’s department shoe store into one of America’s most revered luxury retailers. His focus on customer service and commitment to showcasing emerging designers helped shape the modern retail experience. Nordstrom’s pioneering spirit in blending in-store and online shopping continues to influence retail strategies today.
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Renaud White
One of the first prominent Black male models, Renaud White passed away on June 26, 2024. White broke barriers in the 1970s and 1980s, appearing on major runways and in iconic advertisements that paved the way for greater diversity in fashion.
Renaud White was the first black model to grace the cover of GQ. His contributions to redefining beauty standards remain influential today.
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Polly Mellen
A legendary stylist and editor, Polly Mellen passed away on December 12, 2024, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in fashion journalism. With decades-long tenures at Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue, Mellen shaped iconic photoshoots and mentored countless talents in the industry. Her creative vision and editorial genius set the standard for modern fashion imagery.
—Ryan Salfino
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