Fashion world mourns style icon Anna Piaggi

Designer Stefano Gabbana has led a pouring out of Twitter tributes to renowned style icon Anna Piaggi following reports of the 81-year-old's death in the Italian press.

On August 7 La Repubblica published the news of the famous fashion writer's death, while creator Gabbana -- one half of design duo Dolce & Gabbana -- revealed the news online by tweeting "RIP Anna Piaggi... :((((( ciao grande Anna!!!"

Piaggi, who was a frequent contributor to Vogue Italia, became known internationally for her eccentric style and trademark pale blue hair.

The publication's current editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani tweeted her own tribute to Piaggi, making reference to the late writer's column entitled "D.P. Doppie Pagine di Anna Piaggi."

"23 anni di lavoro insieme, migliaia di D.P. realizzate insieme. Ti ricorderò sempre Anna" ("23 years working together, thousands of D.P. done together. Will remember you forever Anna"), tweeted Sozzani.

As well as becoming a Twitter trending topic in Italy, Piaggi's name was also one of the most talked about in London.

Burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese was one of the first celebrities to pay tribute to the fashionista and her unique dress sense.

"So sad to hear that Anna Piaggi, one of my last icons of beauty & fashion has passed. She was the height of glamorous eccentricity," she wrote.

Fashion heavyweights including stylist Lori Goldstein and W magazine fashion director Edward Enninful also paid their respects.

"did i just wake up to find out anna piaggi died???? that makes me more than sad... A TRUE 1 of kind w/ style & substance. not like todays faux," tweeted the former.

Meanwhile, New York-based writer Sarah Nicole Prickett recalled the flamboyant outfits Piaggi donned to hit the front row during fashion week season.

"Anna Piaggi, no longer living legend. To see her at a fashion show was to witness a tiny, significant riot," wrote Prickett.