Roberto Cavalli, the esteemed Italian fashion designer known for his bold and tropical designs, passed away at 83. His death was announced by his company on Friday, April 12, after a prolonged illness. He died at his residence in Florence, Italy, leaving a significant mark on the fashion world.
Cavalli, born in Florence in 1940, began putting his stamp on fashion from a young age. He pursued textile printmaking at the Academy of Art in Florence and started his career by creating a novel printing technique on leather. His innovative fashion designs drew public attention in the early 1970s when he showcased his designs in Paris and opened his initial boutique in Saint-Tropez.
His designs, known for their bold animal prints and extravagant style, exuded a sense of luxury and pleasure. His signature prints, featuring leopard, tiger, and zebra patterns, became closely identified with his brand and established him as a regular at red carpets and high-end fashion events. High-profile celebrities such as Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and the Spice Girls were among those wearing his designs.
Besides his iconic prints, Cavalli played a significant role in reshaping the fashion industry with his advancements in textile production. He brought stretch denim into the market in 1993 and introduced the first sand-blasted jeans in 1994, causing a shift in denim fashion. His readiness to experiment and push boundaries was reflected in his varied ventures, encompassing men’s and women’s lines, accessories, fragrances, and home decor.
Despite encountering financial challenges, leading his brand to file for bankruptcy in 2019, Cavalli’s influence remained solid. The company, which he started in the 1970s and later sold to an Italian private equity firm in 2015, eventually became the property of a Dubai billionaire. Cavalli had stepped away from his brand in 2015, but his original vision continued to steer its aesthetic course.
Cavalli was married twice and fathered six children, the youngest of whom was born when he was 82 with his partner Sandra Nilsson.
His efforts towards wildlife conservation were another facet of his diverse personality, reflecting his admiration for the natural patterns that notably influenced his designs.
Praise has come in from all areas of the fashion industry, with peers like Giorgio Armani acknowledging Cavalli’s unique ability to turn fantasy into fashion. The CEO of Roberto Cavalli, Sergio Azzolari, conveyed the company’s deep condolences, emphasizing Cavalli’s lasting legacy as an inspiration for future generations.
Roberto Cavalli’s legacy, marked by bold innovation and lavish design, will without a doubt continue to impact the fashion industry for many years to come.
