Famed fashion designer Roberto Cavalli has passed away at the age of 83.
From Humble Beginnings to Fashion Icon
Roberto Cavalli, born into a family of painters, built a fashion empire worth around £400 million ($497 million). Known for his extravagant animal prints and love for pythons, Cavalli was a favorite among the international jet set for many years.
According to the Italian news agency ANSA, Cavalli passed away at home in Florence after a long illness.
A Touching Farewell
Sergio Azzolari, CEO of Roberto Cavalli, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing the company’s sadness and sending condolences to Cavalli’s family.
The Man Behind the Brand
Cavalli was known not just for his designs but also for his love of large cigars, Ferraris, and his signature unbuttoned shirts that showed off his tanned chest. He owned a vineyard in Tuscany and a purple helicopter, and he was on a first-name basis with many Hollywood celebrities.
Since 2014, Cavalli had been in a relationship with Swedish model Sandy Nilsson, who is 45 years younger than him. They had a son named Giorgio last year, named in honor of Cavalli’s father, who was killed by the Nazis during World War II. Cavalli shared in an emotional statement, “The baby was born in Florence a week ago.
I cried a lot when I saw him shortly after his birth since he is so gorgeous. Like his grandpa, my father, who was shot by the Nazis at the Cavriglia massacre when I was four years old, he has the same name, Giorgio.”
Family Life
Cavalli had two children, Tommaso and Cristina, with his first wife, Silvanella Giannoni, whom he married in 1964 and divorced ten years later. He also had three children, Robert, Rachele, and Daniele, with his second wife, former Miss Europe Eva Maria Duringer.
Cavalli often spoke about the hardships he faced as a child, especially after his father’s death left him silent until he was eighteen. “My father was shot by the Germans during a raid on Castelnuovo dei Sabbioni in July 1944,” he remembered.
“He was employed by a Valdarno mine as a surveyor. I waited till I was eighteen to speak. However, I have had a good life and have been rewarded for everything.”
A Star in the Fashion World
Born on November 15, 1940, in Florence, Italy, a city well-known for its leatherwork, Cavalli became famous for his innovative use of stretchable, sandblasted denim, and patterned leather.
He launched his own company in 1975, quickly gaining fame for his animal print clothing worn by stars like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Kim Kardashian.
In 2005, Cavalli was hired to redesign the iconic Playboy Bunnies costume and naturally chose a leopard print design.
Tributes from the Fashion Community
Giorgio Armani shared his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), calling Cavalli a “true artist” who will be “greatly missed.” Armani said, “I have never had a more different view of fashion than Roberto Cavalli’s, but I have always had a lot of respect for him.
Roberto was a great artist, and he made amazing and wild use of prints. He could transform dreams into sultry attire. His departure has left me with deep grief; his Tuscan zest will be much missed.”
Victoria’s Secret model Adriana Lima posted a picture with Cavalli on her Instagram stories, calling him a “legend” and saying, “Not sorry in style and spirit. Today, we lost a wonderful individual. Peace be with you.”
Former Spice Girl turned fashion designer Victoria Beckham also paid tribute, calling him an “icon.”
Remembering Roberto Cavalli
Roberto Cavalli’s influence on fashion and his vibrant personality will be remembered by many. Share your favorite memories or thoughts about Roberto Cavalli in the comments below, and let’s celebrate the life of this extraordinary designer together.
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