Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, known for his flamboyant and glamorous style, passed away at the age of 83. Born in Florence in 1940, Cavalli became renowned in the early 1970s for his animal prints and sexy style. Celebrities such as Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Beyoncé were known to wear his iconic designs. Cavalli took inspiration from the natural world, using animal prints and sequins in his creations. He was also known for patenting a new printing method for leather, as well as revolutionizing jeans with techniques such as sandblasting and adding Lycra.
Cavalli founded his own fashion house in the early 1970s and quickly became an iconic brand in the industry. He debuted patchwork denim at Florence’s Palazzo Pitti in 1972. His innovative designs and textile innovations set him apart in the fashion world. Cavalli’s legacy will live on through his creativity, love of nature, and his cherished family. He is survived by his partner, model Sandra Nilsson, and six children. Cavalli believed in creating fashion as a dream of ready-to-wear, something that is ready to be worn.
Known for his excess, sexy style, Roberto Cavalli was a beacon of inspiration for many in the fashion industry. He was a talented designer known for finding what makes a fabric, dress, or woman special. Cavalli’s love of animals and nature inspired his creations, often featuring animal prints and fish-scale sequins. He once said, “I copy the dress of an animal because I love to copy God. I think God is the most fantastic designer.” His designs ranged from hippie to slick rocker, with diaphanous gowns, beaded dresses, and sexy suits that caught the eye.
Despite stepping back from designing about a decade ago, Cavalli’s influence on the fashion world remains significant. He ceded 90% of his company to the Clessidra private equity group, and the company is now controlled by Auriel Investment SA. Known for his distinctive style and innovative techniques, Cavalli will be remembered as a visionary in the fashion industry. His partner, Sandra Nilsson, and six children survive him. Cavalli’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of designers to create bold and glamorous fashion that pushes boundaries and evokes a sense of luxury and creativity.
