After the sad announcement of Adriano Goldschmied’s passing away on Sunday, April 5, the World Wide Web was literally flooded with messages and images of insiders spaying their tribute to this globally recognised personality.
Below you can find some of the first messages appearing through the main social media listed in alphabetical order. More comments will follow in the next hours.
“Today the world of fashion loses one of its most authentic souls. Adriano Goldschmied was not just a name, but a vision—a pioneer, a man capable of transforming denim into language, culture, and identity. With his hands, his intuition, and his free spirit, he shaped a fabric that tells stories, crosses generations, and connects different worlds. He was a craftsman of the essential, a quiet innovator, a master able to see beauty where others saw only a raw material. Those who had the privilege of knowing him, working alongside him, or simply wearing one of his creations, and carry with them a fragment of his genius. Today we do not only say goodbye to a man—we celebrate a legacy that will continue to live in every stitch, every wash, every garment infused with his spirit. Legends never die: they transform, rising to an even higher realm where time can no longer touch them. Thank you, Adriano, for teaching the world that even a simple pair of jeans can become eternal….forever young….see u down the road, Adriano,” Riccardo Adamo, Aerre Partners &50yet
“The world of denim lost its heartbeat with the passing of Adriano Goldschmied. More than a designer, Adriano was a pioneer that saw the soul in every thread. His spirit of innovation was a testament to his never ending curiosity that fused decades of heritage with a relentless drive for a cleaner more sustainable future. We are truly saddened at the passing of a true genius and the godfather of denim. Rest in Peace,” Advance Denim
“Missing the maestro, the Godfather of Denim. The industry cannot calculate this loss. A person with so much knowledge and stature but with so full of humility, is difficult to find. I learned so much from him. He always supported us and visited our shows to share his knowledge with others. It was always super exciting for us as for our participants whenever Adriano came. I will miss him so much. Have a great journey ahead Adriano and I am sure you will do even better there,” Sandeeip Agarwal, Denimandjeans
“Today we mourn the loss of a pioneer. Adriano Goldschmied’s passion for denim transformed an industry and inspired generations of makers. His blueprint for creativity will continue to guide us all. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones. Arrivederci, Godfather,” Artistic Milliners
“My father has a saying: fathers are like the steady stone walls in vineyards, the ones people lean on when they’re tired or unsure. Just knowing they’re there gives you a sense of security, support, and peace. In many ways, that’s what Mr. Adriano was for our industry. Maybe that’s why people called him the ‘Godfather’ of denim. Losing him feels like a shift. Like something steady moved. I had the privilege of starting my career working with him at Genius Group–that’s where the ‘Miter’ title comes from. I started calling him Mr. Adriano since we first met in-person, when I was super starstruck (which you can see in the last picture here). The team around him, Tephy and Gabby, quickly felt like family, too. On paper, I was there to help with marketing, but in reality, it became a school. He brought me into meetings, shared his thinking on design, and let me observe how he worked and how he treated people. At some point, I was organizing his photo archives, and through that I got to see his life more closely: I came across stories like how he got the name “Godfather of Denim” from Franca Sozzani, the work he did with Tony Viramontes for Genius Group, his passion for sailing, and the fashion shows he created in the ’80s and ’90s that were so ahead of their time. It made me realize how full and impactful his life and career were. It takes a real legend not just to build all of that, but to still dedicate so much time and energy to others, and to genuinely believe in them. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for Mr. Adriano. I am better for having known him. Our ‘steady stone wall to rely on’ is not here in the physical world anymore, but his legacy will live on. As much as he was a genius in denim and R&D, he was also deeply kind, humble, and generous with his time. And his amazing family welcomed me, and everyone else, with the same warmth. My thoughts are with his family. Thank you for everything, Adriano. Rest in peace. I am incredibly sad and grateful at the same time,” Beyza Baykan, HMS
“Hi, Adriano. We’ve lost our jeans culture icon and artist,” Maura Basili, Camera Buyer Italia
“Ciao, Adriano. Rest in peace,” Tato Bardelle
“Ciao, Adriano, today, on Easter Sunday, you have left us! Knowing you, it almost seems as though you even chose the day to exit the stage and remind us that anything is possible! I had the pleasure and honor of knowing you, of sharing our visions, and of creating a story from nothing. You introduced me to your family, your daughters, and your wife, Michela—your guiding light, a remarkable woman whom I have always admired. Among the countless memories I have of you, I’ve decided to dedicate this photo to you, where it seems as though I’m the one showing you the way, but you and I know the truth. I love you and wish you another creative new journey,” Umberto Brocchetto
“Adriano Goldschmied didn’t just change denim, he changed how the industry thinks about sustainability, innovation, and what it means to lead. Legacy isn’t built in a boardroom, it’s built in moments like this one by just showing up and being human. Adriano, Your smile and wisdom will be greatly missed,” Tricia Carey, Avalo
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Adriano Goldschmied, the true Godfather of Denim. His vision, creativity, and influence shaped not only an industry but a culture we are honored to be part of today. He was more than a pioneer—he was a force, a mentor, and an inspiration to so many across the world. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. We send our love, respect, and gratitude for a life that changed denim and our community forever,” Cone Denim
“Hi Adriano, now, from the sky now you will be able to choose the best blue,” Ampelio Del Lago
“As we say goodbye to Adriano with our hearts filled with sadness but also with gratitude, we are remembering first and foremost the man. A kind and generous man, always willing to listen. A man who brought into his work the same care and humanity he gave to the people closest to him.
His greatness was not only in what he created, but in the simple and sincere way he stood beside others. In recent years, he walked alongside us with discretion, leaving a mark made of trust, smiles, and genuine relationships. Ciao Adriano. We will miss, above all, your humanity,” Denim Premiere Vision
“Ciao, Adriano. We all say goodbye to a true titan. The ‘Godfather of Denim’ has passed away, leaving a void that will be felt across the entire fashion world. Adriano was more than a creator; he was a revolutionary whose ability to think forward redefined an entire industry. He was a friend to a lot of passioned people and a mentor for a smaller group who proved that innovation never stops,” Andreas Dorner, Re&Up
“Ciao Adriano. It was a pleasure working with you. You were passionate about hemp. Thank you for the time we spent together. Buon viaggio,” Denis Druon, The Flax Company
“A tribute to the moments I was fortunate enough to share with Adriano Goldschmied. Each time I met him, I carried a quiet hope—to learn from him, to work alongside him, and to understand even a small part of the depth he brought to denim. A true pioneer, whose work with Diesel and beyond helped define generations of the industry.
His passing is a profound loss. What stayed with me most was not just his legacy, but his presence. There are lessons that are never spoken—they are felt. In his humility, in the gentleness of his words, and in the quiet strength with which he carried himself.
Age never defined him. His resilience, even in the face of illness, was remarkable. He continued to show up with warmth, generosity, and a spirit that left a lasting impression. It was a honor to meet him, every single time. May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire all of us who work within this craft,” Kinza Ejaz, Chottani Industries
“An amazing person with positive impact on our industry. He was a great man, a great creative talent, an exceptional person—we will miss him dearly. Rest in Peace!” Enzo Fusco
“I feel impossibly sad thinking that Adriano is no longer among us.
He was an example of teacher/student so always open to educate and at the same time, impossibly curious to learn what the world was up to. Denim or not, he touched so many people and brands in so many different ways with a common denominator: his restless desire to change, innovate, personalize, understand, explore and ultimately connect.
There was reciprocal respect and for that alone I feel privileged. Grazie di tutto, Adriano. Sogni d’oro,” Maurizio Donadi
“Adriano was a true pioneer and creative genius til the very end. I had the privilege of designing with him and calling him a friend. He will be deeply missed,” Sandra Finkelstein
“It is truly a somber moment for the entire apparel industry. Adriano Goldschmied wasn’t just a designer; he was a visionary who fundamentally bridged the gap between rugged workwear and high-fashion luxury. Losing the ‘Godfather of Denim’ feels like the end of an era. His impact on the technical artistry of the craft—especially his mastery of washes and the way he could make a brand-new pair of jeans feel like a twenty-year-old treasure—is unparalleled. He saw the soul in the fabric that few others could. His legacy is woven into the very fabric of the modern denim world, from the iconic brands he founded to the countless specialists he inspired. Rest in peace, Mr. Adriano,” Enamul Haq, Gap
“A moment I’ll never forget. I was in Turkey and was attending one of the workshop on design and sustainability, I saw Adriano Goldschmied looking at rejected Diesel garments. Instead of discarding them, he said: ‘I cannot leave a single garment like this.’ He took out a needle and thread… and fixed them himself. Then he smiled and said: ‘This is not waste. This is a new design.’ That day, I learned that nothing is useless and everything can be reimagined. Sustainability is not a process—it’s a mindset. Rest in peace, Adriano,” Rahat Hussain
“Such a good person. Adriano Goldschmied revolutionized the denim world with his innovative designs and timeless style. His legacy will live on through his iconic brands. Rest in peace, Mr. Goldschmied,” Saddam Hussain
“Today we say goodbye to Adriano Goldschmied, one of the true legends of denim. Known as the ‘Godfather of Denim’, Adriano didn’t just design jeans, he changed the way denim looks, feels and is understood today. At Jeanologia, we had the privilege of sharing moments with him, exchanging ideas and a shared passion for denim. His vision, his curiosity and his creativity will always stay with us. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Your legacy will always live on,” Jeanologia
“He didn’t just follow trends—he quietly defined them,” Saurav Jalan, Syama Denims
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Adriano Goldschmied — a true pioneer and widely recognized as the “Godfather of Denim.” Adriano was not only a visionary who shaped the global denim industry, but also a valued collaborator for Isko. Working together was both a honor and an inspiration. His passion, creativity, and relentless pursuit of innovation left a lasting mark on all of us. His legacy will continue to live on through the industry he helped build and the countless people he inspired along the way. Rest in peace, Adriano. You will be greatly missed,” Isko
“Today the denim world has lost his godfather. Adriano was a mentor, an inspiration, but, above all that, a beloved friend. His influence will out live us all and his legacy will carry on. Thank you dear Adriano for the time you gave our students over the years. A warm embrace,” Guido Kerssens, AMFI
“Denim G.O.A.T. It has been an honor to cross Adriano Goldschmied’s road many times on the planet with always wise advices. My deepest condolences to his family,” Chantal Malingrey
“I was lucky enough to work with him for ten years—the best years of my career. Thank you for everything you taught me and for your friendship. R.I.P.,” Flavio Massa
“Adriano is gone too, one of the last planetary giants has left a world where, with few exceptions, dwarfs and finance now dominate. For me, a true friend, a brother I’ve known since 1978. We’d seen each other several times lately and we imagined a new and wonderful initiative to carry forward together. Because the best is yet to come…for us too… We didn’t succeed, never mind…… for us dreamers, it was beautiful all the same. Adri dearest, old people don’t die, they just fall asleep one day and sleep too long. Sleep well, dearest brother,” Manlio Massa
“Ciao, Adriano, great mentor, friend, and godfather of worldwide denim. Have a safe journey toward the light. Our world is now sadder and poorer in blue!” Panos Sofianos, Munich Fabric Start
“The denim world has lost a true legend. Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Adriano Goldschmied, better known as ‘The Godfather of Denim.’ A true icon that shaped the industry. Thank you, Adriano, for everything you gave to the denim world. It was always such a pleasure crossing paths with you,” Wouter Munnichs
“You will remain etched in the memory of all those who love Blue Jeans. A true visionary. An artist. A good man. Now you can fly to the sky to paint a star in Indigo. Ciao King Adriano, until we meet again in the next life,” Leonardo Nave
“R.I.P. Adriano. The Godfather of Denim! I met him for the first time more than 40 years ago! A vulcan of creativity! He has taken denim fabric from workwear to the most famous catwalk shows. Waiting for celebration during coming Denim Premiere Vision in Milan,” Georges Papa, Ready To Show
“Adriano helped elevate denim from material into category, identity and culture. His legacy remains visible wherever product vision, wash innovation and fit architecture continue to shape excellence across the fashion system. A pioneer and a lasting reference point for all of us,” Matteo Pegoraro
“Adriano, you have changed my life and the world of fashion. You were a mentorn and a friend. A revolutionary who gave so much to all of us. Rest in peace in your new life,” Renzo Rosso, Diesel/OTB Group
“Adriano was truly a great man; it was an honor for us to have known him and to have learned so much from him…,” Marina Salomon
“Genius and Legend… Adriano, your contribution to fashion is as timeless as your denim. Rest in peace, Maestro,” Valentina Santinato
“Today we have lost an extraordinary figure who knew how to transform a passion into culture, identity, and vision. I had the privilege of working with him, and I will always carry with me his curiosity and his rare ability to see beauty where others did not look. Thank you for what you taught us, Adriano. You leave an indelible mark, not only on the world of denim, but on the people who crossed your path,” Paola Schileo, United Colors of Benetton
“The word legend is used far too often. It’s is a once in a generation occurrence. If you are fortunate enough your paths cross, if you are more fortunate they take you under their wing and allow you to not only indulge yourself but also make a living from something you truly love.Thank you for the opportunity and company . You were one of a kind and truly ‘The godfather of denim’,” Aron Sharpe, 52nd State Retail
“Thank you, dear Adriano, denim legend and kind soul passed away on the 50th anniversary from the invention of stone washing. You have been a true pioneer and brand builder. We worked together on many projects like Tencel Carved in Blue, HMS and Rajby Textiles, and he was always sharp asking about our many Endrime projects. Thank you Adriano for always being kind to the younger generation and kind to me and my wife Sadia,” Mohsin Saijd, Endrime
“Ciao, Adriano, great mentor, friend, and godfather of worldwide denim. Have a safe journey toward the light. Our world is now sadder and poorer in blue!” Panos Sofianos, Munich Fabric Start
“Hi, Adriano. I had the chance to get to know you when you were very young, back when you were working with Carrera Jeans, and then again in recent years. As straightforward and genuine as jeans. Rest in peace,” Gianluca Tacchella, Carrera Jeans
“There are very few people who can genuinely be said to have shaped an entire industry. Adriano Goldschmied was one of them. He took the jean, a garment born from manual labour, and gave it to the world as fashion. Along the way, he founded or inspired some of the most iconic denim brands in history like Diesel, Replay, Gap 1969, AG, Goldsign, and A Gold-E. His Genius Group in the 1970s became a creative academy that produced a generation of leaders. He was a fixture in our community, a presence at Kingpins, and a voice that always challenged us to think further.
What made Adriano singular was not just his talent, but his refusal to stand still. He walked from success to success repeatedly, always in pursuit of what was next. In recent years, that pursuit turned toward sustainability. His ambition was to create a jean with zero environmental impact. He did not see this as idealism. He saw it as the inevitable direction of the craft he had spent five decades perfecting. That conviction is at the heart of what Transformers Foundation works toward every day. Our deepest condolences to his wife Michela, his daughters, and the global denim community that he helped build,” Transformers Foundation
“The denim world has lost a legend. Adriano Goldschmied left his mark on countless brands, innovative techniques, and many trends. He pushed for sustainable finishing long before the word ‘sustainability’ even existed in fashion’s vocabulary. I’m one of many whose work has been touched by his vision. A life well lived. A legacy woven into every pair of jeans we’ll ever make. Rest in peace, Adriano,” Sedef Uncu Aki
“Adriano Goldschmied turned denim into culture. Legends don’t leave, they evolve. Forever young. Ciao Adriano,” Alessandro Viganò, Hidn-Ander
“Today, I want to share something deeply personal with our community. We lost a legend in our industry. And I lost someone who was so much more to me. He was a mentor, a dear friend, and in many ways, like a father. I started working with Adriano at AG Jeans-AG Adriano Goldschmied. Adriano taught me so much. Working with him was one of the most inspiring and rewarding experiences of my life. He never stopped encouraging me to trust my instincts and keep going.
Kingpins would not be what it is today without him. His support, his guidance, and the way he stood behind me didn’t only shape the show, but who I’ve become. He was the first person who made me truly understand why people love denim… Not just the fabric, but the people, the stories, and the soul behind it.
I still remember our early days at AG. We were the only two non-Koreans in the design room. I would watch him cutting outfits out of magazines, always removing the heads, focusing only on the clothes. I watched how he worked with models, how he saw things differently, how deeply he cared. Every time I showed him my ideas, he made me feel seen. He believed in me, even when I didn’t. And I remember how he smiled at my work…and how we laughed. Every new project I did for Kingpins, you would always tell me I did a good job. Adriano, I will miss our meetings in LA. The way you would walk up to me and tell me how proud you were of me. Those moments meant more than you ever knew. I told you I was going to visit you in Italy, and you said it would be a party. I was so looking forward to that day. He worked until his very last breath. That was who he was: passionate, dedicated, always giving.
Now you’re gone… and it feels like a part of my heart is gone with you. But I will carry your spirit with me as I continue my journey in this industry, following your example to support others, to build, to give, and to keep pushing denim forward, just like you always did. You will never be forgotten, dear Adriano. My mentor, my dear friend, and the father of my life in denim.
Adriano’s spirit lives on in all of us who love this industry, and in the community we continue to build together,” Vivian Wang, Kingpins Show