Italian fashion designer Lorenzo Riva, a renowned figure in the industry, has passed away at the age of 85. Born in Monza in 1938, Riva grew to become an emblematic creator in the world of haute couture.
With his innate talent for design and meticulous attention to detail, he gained international recognition as he clothed countless celebrities and high-profile individuals.
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Italian fashion designer Lorenzo Riva, who led the Balenciaga house for a brief period in the 1970s, passed away on Saturday at the age of 85 at the San Gerardo hospital in Monza, the town of his birth, which is located 45 minutes outside of Milan.
The son of a mannequin, Riva was born in Monza and at the age of eighteen he opened his first atelier in his hometown. He made his breakthrough in 1972 when he showed his first couture collection at Florence’s Palazzo Pitti. He was the artistic director of several fashion brands, most famously Balenciaga.
In 1991, he introduced his own brand, which he sold in 2012 to begin working as creative director with Duomosei. He debuted his line “L’Or by Lorenzo Riva” in 2017. Virna Lisi, Isabella Rossellini, Whitney Houston, Penélope Cruz, Ivana Trump, and Emmanuelle Seigner were among the many celebrities that Riva dressed during his career.
Throughout his career that spanned over five decades, Riva carved out a distinct niche for himself by merging traditional Italian craftsmanship with modern trends. His elegant creations showcased his impeccable taste and refined aesthetic sensibility, making him a true icon of Italian fashion. On December 16, 2023, he passed away in Monza at the age of 85.
May his soul rest in peace!