Lady Gaga has written a touching tribute letter to her friend, French fashion iconi Azzedine Alaïa who has passed away at the age of 77. In a series of Instagram posts, Gaga called Alaia "a true genius" and "one of the greatest designers the world has ever known."

"I'll mourn forever the loss of my friend," Gaga shared. "A true genius in not only fashion but in his heart. He was a king and had the highest standards of design and work ethic. He was so giving, so loving, his heart so full and pure. I️'d watch in awe as he hand made each and every piece, his fingers touching the fabric like poetry. Then he would want to feed us all, and cook with his own hands and talk for hours at the table while his dogs would run around joyfully smelling the delicious food he made us.

She continued: "To say he was special would be an understatement. To say he was integral, important and influential to fashion is simply not enough. There was no one who did what he did. No one knew a woman’s body like him. He should be celebrated as one of the greatest fashion designers the world has ever known. I️ love you, Azzedine. I️’m devastated I️ didn’t get to say goodbye. I️ love you."

Lady Gaga fans are perhaps most familiar with Azzedine's work for the instantly-iconic dress he custom-designed for the singer for the 2015 Academy Awards red carpet. Gaga also wore his clothes at the 2016, Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, her 2013 Lady Gaga & the Muppets' Holiday Spectacular show, and her 2013 appearance on Watch What Happens Live.

Watch Gaga sing "Joanne" outside the designer's house in Paris, which Gaga called her "last moments wtih Azzedine," below...