Adriano Goldschmied, the Godfather of Denim, has passed

Adriano Goldschmied, the Godfather of Denim, has passed

WeAr has been informed that Adriano Goldschmied, the godfather of denim, has recently died. This comes as very sad news for the entire denim industry.

WeAr Media Group’s publisher remembers him:

Adriano Goldschmied was born in Trieste, Italy, in 1944 and passed away early April 2026.
He was the creator of the legendary Genius Group, which he founded, along with numerous other brands, such as Diesel, Replay, AG Adriano Goldschmied, just to name a few.
He traveled between the continents and was at the forefront of the L.A. premium denim movement, constantly experimenting with innovative materials, washings and finishings.
Not only was he one of the greatest jeans designers of all time, but he was creative in every detail, personally down to earth, gentle and had a cool personality.
We all will miss him. His legacy is huge and will be remembered for decades and generations to come.
Rest in peace, old friend.
Klaus Vogel