Honestly, love her for that. People constantly talk about doing something for "shock value", but why is a shocking thing always considered a bad one? Especially when Franca would put real thoughts behind her work, not some empty type of shock. Yet she always got accused of doing things for shock value.
I think people want just dreams from fashion, not many love to hear the naked truth in normal circumstances, imagine in a place where we are supposed to live fantasies and dreams! And that’s why she was often criticised I think, but honestly I admire her boldness so much.
Wow thank you for this thorough observation of Vogue during Franca’s years! I actually love that she was a documentarist for Vogue. You don’t get to all the happy jumping images without a real look at what’s happening in the world. Also I think she pushed an artist like Steven Meisel to the best of his ability, which is so important in the role of editor at Vogue.
I think Franca was daring, but also tone-deaf. I will always remember this interview of former Nigeria president Goodluck Jonathan in which it felt like she was ordering a head of state what to do. At the time, she had this blog on Vogue Italia and Nigerians complained about it and her answer was not only scathing, but also very disrepectful of people who actually knew the situation of THEIR country. It felt very 'I am doing a good thing so shut up' or better said it reeked of white saviourism.
I commend her artistic vision, and the fact she was ahead of her time as a woman raising her child alone, but I am alsl convinced her social class gave her a tunnel vision of the world. I remember the most iconic pictures of Vogue Italia during her tenure, but I was never transported by the writing in it.
Oh, I wasn’t aware of this! Her leadership at Vogue had its challenges, and as we know, Italy still has deep-rooted issues like classism and racism to untakle, so I can absolutely see how this happened.
Thank you, as always, for sharing your perspective, Emmanuelle!
I am honestly a fan of this kind of irriverence, and I think Franca would be for some things a rule breaker today as she was back then: journalism should have a bit more of this raw truth again.
Fantastic article Giulia! Sozzani was iconic in her style and direction at Vogue. It's no wonder she butted heads with AW, they are polar opposites. She was a true creative with a singular vision and not afraid to apply it. She's an inspiration! Think I'll rewatch that documentary!!
Thank you for reminding us about her and her legacy. Again and again, ppl dont like to look at matters that should be seen and discussed and taken responsibility of — that’s why they shoot the messenger (and words can kill, too).
Honestly, love her for that. People constantly talk about doing something for "shock value", but why is a shocking thing always considered a bad one? Especially when Franca would put real thoughts behind her work, not some empty type of shock. Yet she always got accused of doing things for shock value.
I think people want just dreams from fashion, not many love to hear the naked truth in normal circumstances, imagine in a place where we are supposed to live fantasies and dreams! And that’s why she was often criticised I think, but honestly I admire her boldness so much.
And by the way, thank you so much for reading 🤍
Wow thank you for this thorough observation of Vogue during Franca’s years! I actually love that she was a documentarist for Vogue. You don’t get to all the happy jumping images without a real look at what’s happening in the world. Also I think she pushed an artist like Steven Meisel to the best of his ability, which is so important in the role of editor at Vogue.
So true! She gave the right space to amazing artists to thrive and all thanks to her openness
I ❤️🤍💚 Franca. She’s my style idol. Impeccable, atypically beautiful, stylish, chic. Would have loved to see her at 80- her hair, her style.
Thank you Michelle 🤍🤍🤍
I think Franca was daring, but also tone-deaf. I will always remember this interview of former Nigeria president Goodluck Jonathan in which it felt like she was ordering a head of state what to do. At the time, she had this blog on Vogue Italia and Nigerians complained about it and her answer was not only scathing, but also very disrepectful of people who actually knew the situation of THEIR country. It felt very 'I am doing a good thing so shut up' or better said it reeked of white saviourism.
I commend her artistic vision, and the fact she was ahead of her time as a woman raising her child alone, but I am alsl convinced her social class gave her a tunnel vision of the world. I remember the most iconic pictures of Vogue Italia during her tenure, but I was never transported by the writing in it.
Oh, I wasn’t aware of this! Her leadership at Vogue had its challenges, and as we know, Italy still has deep-rooted issues like classism and racism to untakle, so I can absolutely see how this happened.
Thank you, as always, for sharing your perspective, Emmanuelle!
Great writing! I just watched this documentary, so good! The oil slick issue was amazing. Oil spills hurt my heart.
Franca was such an icon! Thank you for reading as usual Michele :)
I am honestly a fan of this kind of irriverence, and I think Franca would be for some things a rule breaker today as she was back then: journalism should have a bit more of this raw truth again.
Another fine piece, this one xx
Thank you so much Francesca! I agree with you, irreverence if done right makes amazing journalism
Fantastic article Giulia! Sozzani was iconic in her style and direction at Vogue. It's no wonder she butted heads with AW, they are polar opposites. She was a true creative with a singular vision and not afraid to apply it. She's an inspiration! Think I'll rewatch that documentary!!
Thank you for reading Jolain! Wish we had more people like Franca in the current fashion panorama to spice it up a little
Thank you for reminding us about her and her legacy. Again and again, ppl dont like to look at matters that should be seen and discussed and taken responsibility of — that’s why they shoot the messenger (and words can kill, too).
She definitely left an unforgettable mark! Thank you for reading 🤍
love love LOVE Franca
Glad you enjoyed it 🤍 thank you for reading
Soup to nuts what a thorough piece! I watched the documentary in winter and have been waiting for someone to write about Franca on here.
Grazie Allegra! I am surprised none wrote about her just yet, she’s such a fascinating character
Thank you for reading Jam! Franca was a real one indeed.