ROME, Italy — Designer Maria Mandelli, who founded fashion house Krizia, has died at the age of 90.

Mandelli, known as Krizia, died “suddenly” on Sunday night, the board of family company M.M.K. SpA said in a statement.

Mandelli “has been an extraordinary and innovative designer,” M.M.K said in the statement. With her work she “helped create and support internationally a typically Italian model of elegance.”

Shenzhen, China-based retail group Shenzhen Marisfrolg Fashion Co. Ltd bought ready-to-wear brand Krizia in February 2014. In March Chinese designer and entrepreneur Zhu Chongyun presented Krizia's first collection after the acquisition.

By Lorenzo Totaro; editors: Fergal O’Brien, Alessandra Migliaccio, Chiara Vasarri.