Victoria Beckham joins emotional Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Rita Ora as the fashion world pays tribute to late Vogue Italia editor Franca Sozzani at Milan Fashion Week memorial service 

  • Sozzani passed away on December 22, aged 66, following a long illness
  • She championed Italian fashion in the magazine she ran for 28 years 
  • After turns at Vogue Bambini, the Italian version of Glamour and a corresponding men's magazine, Sozzani became editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia in 1988
  • She also was active in humanitarian causes, and served as the ambassador to fashion for the United Nations
  • Franca travelled to support people working in the fashion world in Africa and Asia
  • Once asked to define style, she said, 'Today there is not just one. I think people should buy more mirrors than clothes, to see themselves before going out'

By Rebecca Davison for MailOnline

Published: 10:27 EST, 27 February 2017 | Updated: 15:44 EST, 27 February 2017

Victoria Beckham joined a host of stars from the fashion world as they paid their respects to the late Vogue editor-in-chief chief Franca Sozzani in Milan on Monday.

42-year-old Victoria wore a conservative navy deconstructed dress and leather boots as she headed to the religious ceremony to commemorate her friend's sad passing.

She appeared forlorn as she walked solo while hiding her eyes behind dark sunglasses and carried a matching leather bag in her hand. 

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Firm friend: Victoria Beckham wore a conservative navy dress to attend a star-studded religious ceremony in honour of the late Vogue Italia editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani in Milan on Monday who passed away in December aged 66
Making an appearance: 42-year-old Victoria wore a conservative navy deconstructed dress and leather boots as she headed to the religious ceremony to commemorate her friend's sad passing
Special day: She appeared forlorn as she walked solo while hiding her eyes behind dark sunglasses and carried a matching leather bag in her hand

Firm friend: Victoria Beckham wore a conservative navy dress to attend a star-studded religious ceremony in honour of the late Vogue Italia editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani in Milan on Monday who passed away in December aged 66

Pensive: She looked incredible sad as she arrived at the ceremony alone

Pensive: She looked incredible sad as she arrived at the ceremony alone

Sad loss: Following Franca's death on December 22, aged 66, after a long illness, Victoria took to Instagram to share a photo of the two of them - they had worked together many times over the years
Sad loss: Following Franca's death on December 22, aged 66, after a long illness, Victoria took to Instagram to share a photo of the two of them - they had worked together many times over the years

Sad loss: Following Franca's death on December 22, aged 66, after a long illness, Victoria took to Instagram to share a photo of the two of them - they had worked together many times over the years

Paying her respects: Victoria listened to the eulogy, clearly deeply saddened by the premature loss of her friend and colleague

Paying her respects: Victoria listened to the eulogy, clearly deeply saddened by the premature loss of her friend and colleague

Following Franca's death on December 22, aged 66, after a long illness, Victoria took to Instagram to share a photo of the two of them - they had worked together many times over the years.  

She wrote: 'I had the privilege of spending time with Franca over the years. Not enough time as it now so sadly transpires,

'Whenever I was with her I was mesmerised by her strength of character, her charitable work, her creative vision. She encouraged me and inspired me whenever we spoke. What a legacy she leaves behind. RIP.'

To the wake: The former Spice Girl marched with the rest of the guests to attend the post-funeral gathering

To the wake: The former Spice Girl marched with the rest of the guests to attend the post-funeral gathering

Gothic: Victoria left the Duomo gothic cathedral after attending the memorial mass for her colleague and friend Franca

Gothic: Victoria left the Duomo gothic cathedral after attending the memorial mass for her colleague and friend Franca

Blue: The star was clearly pensive as she walked along the streets of Milan to the venue, steely faced and emotional

Blue: The star was clearly pensive as she walked along the streets of Milan to the venue, steely faced and emotional

She was joined by supermodels Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell who dressed in black for the occasion.  

Kate appeared incredibly upset wearing a veiled hat as she was comforted by a friend, while making her way inside, while Naomi respectfully bowed her head while hiding her eyes behind dark sunglasses.

Close: Kate Moss appeared incredibly upset wearing a veiled hat and an all black ensemble for the service 

Close: Kate Moss appeared incredibly upset wearing a veiled hat and an all black ensemble for the service 

Devastated: She was comforted by a friend, while making her way inside as she tried her best to compose herself
Best of friends: She also linked arms with her long-term fashion designer pal Stella McCartney

Devastated: She was comforted by a friend, while making her way inside as she tried her best to compose herself

Putting a brave face on: Kate managed a smile as she walked along with her friends close by and lending their support

Putting a brave face on: Kate managed a smile as she walked along with her friends close by and lending their support

She's in fashion: Kate carried an oversized fur over her arm as she walked along the cobbles in platform heels
Making an effort: Stella wore a 20s style fringed jacket as she joined her pal

She's in fashion: Kate carried an oversized fur over her arm as she walked along the cobbles in platform heels 

Hug please: Kate gave her pal a cuddle as Stella struggled to manage all of her possessions

Hug please: Kate gave her pal a cuddle as Stella struggled to manage all of her possessions

Emotions running high: Kate giggled nervously as she clutched some papers in her hand following the service
Thoughtful: She bowed her head a little as she prepared to join the rest of her friends

Emotions running high: Kate giggled nervously as she clutched some papers in her hand following the service

Ready for her close-up: Kate wore a trilby and covered her face with a black netted veil 

Ready for her close-up: Kate wore a trilby and covered her face with a black netted veil 

Naomi arrived on the arm of Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace, with the two ladies managing a smile.  

Sozzani championed Italian fashion in the magazine she ran for 28 years.

Pal: Naomi Campbell respectfully bowed her head while hiding her eyes behind dark sunglasses
Doing their bit: She had a group of friends around her for support
On her way: She clutched her coat close as she joined the rest of the group

Pal: Naomi Campbell respectfully bowed her head while hiding her eyes behind dark sunglasses

Two's company: Naomi also walked through Milan with her arms linked in with fashion designer Edward Enninful
Support: The pair have been friends for some time

Two's company: Naomi also walked through Milan with her arms linked in with fashion designer Edward Enninful

Caring: Naomi also arrived on the arm of Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace

Caring: Naomi also arrived on the arm of Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace

There for her: The two ladies managed to a smile as they got each other through the difficult day
There for her: The two ladies managed to a smile as they got each other through the difficult day

There for her: The two ladies managed to a smile as they got each other through the difficult day

There for one another: Donatella held tightly to Naomi's hand as she battled to get through the tough day 

There for one another: Donatella held tightly to Naomi's hand as she battled to get through the tough day 

Style sensations: Donatella looked incredible (left) as she was later joined by fellow designer Giorgio Armani (right)
He's got it going on: Armani teamed casual white trainers with his look

Style sensations: Donatella looked incredible (left) as she was later joined by fellow designer Giorgio Armani (right) 

Joining forces: Naomi walked alongisde Carla Bruni as she headed into the memorial mass

Joining forces: Naomi walked alongisde Carla Bruni as she headed into the memorial mass

Emotional time: She planted a peck on Carla's cheek as the pair embraced
Emotional time: She planted a peck on Carla's cheek as the pair embraced

Emotional time: She planted a peck on Carla's cheek as the pair embraced 

Conde Nast International chairman Jonathan Newhouse said she died after a yearlong illness with her son Francesco by her side. The online version of Vogue Italia remembered Sozzani with a simple red heart next to her name.

'Franca was one of the greatest editors who ever made a magazine,' Newhouse said in a note to the Conde Nast team. 

'She made Italian Vogue a powerful and influential voice in the worlds of fashion and photography by publishing groundbreaking photography and journalism.'

vWorking the trend: Singer Rita Ora made a style statement in tribute to the much-loved editor
One moment: Rita looked back at the camera as she flashed the feather tattoo on the back of her ankle
The look: Like Kate, Rita wore a veiled hat for the occasion

Working the trend: Singer Rita Ora made a style statement in tribute to the much-loved editor 

Best foot forward: Rita slipped on a pair of pointed embellished heels as she made her way to the funeral

Best foot forward: Rita slipped on a pair of pointed embellished heels as she made her way to the funeral

Vintage: The hitmaker-turned-presenter worked a forties inspired look for the sad occasion

Vintage: The hitmaker-turned-presenter worked a forties inspired look for the sad occasion

Chic: She put on a pair of sheer black gloves as she carried her box clutch into the memorial

Chic: She put on a pair of sheer black gloves as she carried her box clutch into the memorial

Things to think about: Rita looked pensive as she also prepared to pay her respects with a close companion

Things to think about: Rita looked pensive as she also prepared to pay her respects with a close companion

After turns at Vogue Bambini, the Italian version of Glamour and a corresponding men's magazine, Sozzani became editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia in 1988. 

She also was active in humanitarian causes, and in recent years served as the ambassador to fashion for the United Nations.

She travelled to support people working in the fashion world in Africa and Asia while helping to raise money and awareness to fight hunger.

An icon of the fashion world: Franca, pictured looking beautiful in October, was always easy to spot in the fashion crowd with her wavy blonde locks and bright smile
Beautiful: The month before she looked resplendent at the Christian Dior show in Paris

An icon of the fashion world: Franca, pictured looking beautiful in October, was always easy to spot in the fashion crowd with her wavy blonde locks and bright smile

Solemn: Iconic Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani appeared to be in understandably subdued spirits 

Solemn: Iconic Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani appeared to be in understandably subdued spirits 

Intense chat: Valentino and Naomi Campbell looked engrossed in a serious conversation

Intense chat: Valentino and Naomi Campbell looked engrossed in a serious conversation

Commemoration: Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, Prince of Venice, and Santo Versace were in attendance
Commemoration: Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, Prince of Venice, and Santo Versace were in attendance

Commemoration: Emanuele Filiberto (left) of Savoy, Prince of Venice, and Santo Versace were in attendance 

Back home in Milan, she was easy to spot in the fashion crowd with her wavy blonde locks and bright smile. 

She also had a big social media presence, running a blog on Vogue Italy's website as well as an active Twitter feed that went silent in June.

Once asked to define style, she replied, 'Today there is not just one. I think people should buy more mirrors than clothes, to see themselves before going out ... but I think that clothes need to correspond to one's own personality. That is style.' 

Stylish: Carla Bruni also made an appearance wore statement patterned tights and a modest coat
Kind: She had a sweet smile on her face as she joined the guests inside
Stylish: Carla Bruni also made an appearance wore statement patterned tights and a modest coat

Stylish: Carla Bruni also made an appearance wore statement patterned tights and a modest coat 

Close ties: The day was particularly sad for US Vogue's Editor-In-Chief who wore an embellished coat and boots

Close ties: The day was particularly sad for US Vogue's Editor-In-Chief who wore an embellished coat and boots

Hard times: Anna sat with Carla Sozzani and Francesco Carrozzini, Franca Sozzani's son, as they attended a mass in commemoration Franca

Hard times: Anna sat with Carla Sozzani and Francesco Carrozzini, Franca Sozzani's son, as they attended a mass in commemoration Franca

Stunning: Supermodel Eva Herzigova towered over her companion as she followed suit
Lovely: One kindly man carried one of her bags for her as she made her way wearing a black leather trench coat

Stunning: Supermodel Eva Herzigova towered over her companion as she followed suit

Twinning: Dean and Dan Caten of DSquared fame also arrived to pay their respects 

Twinning: Dean and Dan Caten of DSquared fame also arrived to pay their respects 

Fashion designer: Valentino also joined the service with a female companion in tow
Dapper: He looked incredibly smart in a suit, no doubt tailor made from his own collection

Fashion designer: Valentino also joined the service with a female companion in tow 

Sad day: Giorgio Armani left the Duomo gothic cathedral after attending a memorial mass

Sad day: Giorgio Armani left the Duomo gothic cathedral after attending a memorial mass

A sad day: As night fell, Victoria was snapped heading away from the wake
A sad day: As night fell, Victoria was snapped heading away from the wake

A sad day: As night fell, Victoria was snapped heading away from the wake

Impeccable: It was back to business as Victoria arrived at the airport to fly from Milan to her next destination

Impeccable: It was back to business as Victoria arrived at the airport to fly from Milan to her next destination

Fond memories: Victoria was able to muster a light smile as the day drew to a close, clearly remembering the good times she had with her late friend

Fond memories: Victoria was able to muster a light smile as the day drew to a close, clearly remembering the good times she had with her late friend


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