Benetton founder dies

one of the founding siblings of the benetton fashion brand has died.

Gilberto benetton was 77 and, according to news reports, had suffered an ‘undisclosed illness’.

he died at his home in treviso, italy, near where the fashion firm he founded with siblings Luciano, Giuliana and Carlo – who died in the summer at age 74 – is based. his wife Lalla, two daughters, barbara and Sabrina, and son- in- law ermanno were with him.

the siblings launched the business as a knitwear company in 1965.

its ad campaigns have often courted controversy, such as the one featuring an image of Pope benedict xVi kissing an imam, which angered the Vatican.