Carla Fendi passed away in Rome at age 81, WWD reported.
Paying tribute to Fendi in a statement, a company representative wrote: "She was for all of us a source of inspiration and an example of dedication, work culture and sensibility for beauty. She will accompany us forever."
Fendi joined the company in the 1950s and was behind the style house's expansion in the U.S. She also forged a strong relationship with designer and photographer Karl Lagerfeld, who last year marked his 50th anniversary as creative director of Fendi.
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