Adriano Goldschmied, the Italian businessman known as “the godfather of denim” for his role in developing versions of the world’s most popular fabric, died on April 5 in Castelfranco Veneto, a town near his home in Asolo, Italy. He was 82.

            On any given day, marketers say, nearly half the world’s population is wearing jeans. Last year, more than $98 billion worth of jeans were sold worldwide, and if you wear jeans, you own a pair that is influenced in some way by Mr. Goldschmied’s presence in the industry.

            By his count, Mr. Goldschmied collaborated on or started more than 50 brands, including Gap 1969, a retro label named for the year Gap was founded, as well as Goldsign and AG Adriano Goldschmied, now known as AG Jeans.