Designer Roberto Cavalli has died at age 83.
The fashion icon passed away on April 12, 2024 in Florence, Italy where he lived.
Italian news agency ANSA reported that Cavalli had been suffering from a long illness, though the specifics remain unknown. Cavalli ran the high-end fashion house, Roberto Cavalli, from its founding in the 70s.
The brand is known for popularising exotic prints and for creating the sand-blasted look for jeans. They sell luxury clothing, shoes, and perfumes and are considered among the most iconic fashion houses in the world.
Cavalli’s grandfather, Giuseppe Rossi, was an artist and a leading figure of the Macchiaioli movement and Cavalli originally planned to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps, studying at the Art Institute of Florence before deciding to pursue a career in fashion.
Cavalli’s journey to fashion greatness began in 1970 when he unveiled his inaugural collection at the prestigious Salon du Prêt-à-Porter.
His early years were marked by groundbreaking innovations, including the invention and patenting of a revolutionary printing process on leather, which catapulted him to prominence in the fashion world.
Establishing his first boutique, Limbo, in Saint Tropez in 1972, Cavalli quickly rose to prominence, earning accolades for his distinctive designs and luxurious aesthetic.
His meteoric rise culminated in a coveted invitation to showcase his leather creations alongside esteemed fashion houses in the storied Sala Bianca in Florence, solidifying his status as a fashion icon.
Throughout his illustrious career, Cavalli remained true to his maxim: ‘Excess is success.’ He infused his collections with unapologetic opulence, extravagance, and an undeniable sense of adventure.
From his signature animal prints to bejeweled distressed jeans, his designs captivated audiences worldwide, earning him a legion of devoted fans and celebrity admirers.
Cavalli’s penchant for glamour and excess was also reflected in his personal life. He was known to sail the Mediterranean on a purple metallic yacht and often hosted lavish parties for celebrity guests.
Cavalli was married twice, first to Silvanella Giannoni in 1977. The couple had two children: Cristiana and Tommaso.
Cavalli married beauty queen Eva Maria Düringer in 1980 after serving as a judge at a competition in which she was competing. This marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership, with Düringer serving as his main collaborator and creative director of the brand. Together they had three children: Rachele, Daniele, and Robin.
Swedish model Sandra Nilsson, who is 45 years his junior, has been with Cavalli since 2014 and the pair had a baby, Giorgio, last year, making Cavalli the father to six children in total.
As a testament to his enduring influence, Cavalli’s fashion empire eventually expanded beyond clothing, encompassing licenses for furniture, home textiles, and hospitality ventures.
His iconic Just Cavalli Café and club in Milan and Florence provided a glimpse into his lavish lifestyle, inviting customers to immerse themselves in the world of the designer.
Despite the challenges and setbacks he faced in his later years, including financial turmoil and changes in ownership of his brand, Cavalli’s legacy endures as a beacon of creativity, resilience, and unbridled passion.
The fashion house released an official statement that reads: ‘It is with deep regret and a great sadness the Roberto Cavalli Maison participates in the passing of its founder Roberto Cavalli. From humble beginnings in Florence Mr. Cavalli succeeded in becoming a globally recognised name loved and respected by all.
‘He was a natural artist and believed that everyone can discover the artist within themselves. Roberto Cavalli’s legacy will live on via his art, his creativity his love of nature, animals and via his family whom he cherished.’
The current creative director of the label also expressed his grief, sharing a heartfelt note to the late fashion icon: ‘Dear Roberto, you may not be physically here with us anymore, but I know I will feel your spirit with me always.
‘It is the greatest honour of my career to work under your legacy and to create for the brand you founded with such vision and style. Rest in peace you will be missed, and you are loved by so many that your name will continue on, a beacon of inspiration for others, and especially for me.’
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