Renowned for his bold animal prints and daring designs, Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli passed away, leaving behind a legacy that spanned over five decades.
The fashion world mourns the loss of Roberto Cavalli, a visionary designer who fearlessly pushed boundaries and left an indelible mark on the industry. Cavalli, known for his audacious animal prints and sensual designs, died on Friday at the age of 83, as confirmed by his luxury company.
Born in Florence, Italy, on November 15, 1940, Cavalli’s journey in fashion began with humble roots. As a young art student, he started painting on T-shirts to earn money, unknowingly sowing the seeds of his future empire. A chance encounter at a party in 1970 led him to discover his true calling—printing on leather. Impressed by his innovative designs, French luxury goods maker Hermes and the late designer Pierre Cardin took notice, catapulting Cavalli into the world of high fashion.
Throughout the 1970s, Cavalli’s designs became synonymous with the jet-set lifestyle. His boutique in Saint Tropez, a playground for the rich and famous, showcased his signature boho-chic patchwork designs on denim, effortlessly blending the casual fabric with expert tailoring. Cavalli’s creations, first seen on icons like Sophia Loren and Brigitte Bardot, continued to captivate generations of celebrities, from Kim Kardashian to Jennifer Lopez.
Cavalli’s unapologetic love for animal prints became his trademark. From leopard spots to snake scales, he fearlessly incorporated these patterns into his designs, creating a style that was both daring and luxurious. “I like everything that is of nature,” Cavalli once told Vogue, revealing his inspiration. “I start[ed] to understand that God is really the best designer, so I started to copy God.”
While the 1980s saw a shift towards minimalism in fashion, Cavalli remained true to his maximalist vision. His comeback in the 1990s with distressed jeans proved that his unique style had enduring appeal. Cavalli’s fashion empire expanded beyond clothing, encompassing home furnishings, wine, shoes, jewelry and even a line of vodka, its bottle sheathed in snakeskin.
Cavalli’s personal life was as flamboyant as his designs. He married a Miss Universe runner-up, owned a purple helicopter and indulged in a lavish lifestyle that included Ferraris, thoroughbred horses and fat cigars. His charisma and unbuttoned shirts revealing his tanned chest made him a favorite among A-listers like Sharon Stone and Cindy Crawford.
Despite his success, Cavalli faced challenges throughout his career. He weathered a dry spell in the 1980s when his designs seemed out of step with the minimalist trend. A lengthy trial in Italy on tax evasion charges ended in his acquittal, but his eponymous fashion house began to suffer financial difficulties amid increased competition from well-funded brands owned by fashion conglomerates LVMH and Kering.
In 2015, a majority stake in Cavalli’s company was sold to private equity, and the designer stepped down as creative director. The fashion group faced further setbacks, filing for administration and closing its US stores. However, in November 2019, Vision Investments, owned by Dubai real-estate billionaire Hussain Sajwani, acquired the company, bringing hope for a new chapter.
Roberto Cavalli’s legacy in the fashion world is undeniable. His bold, unapologetic style and his ability to blend the exotic with the everyday continue to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Béatrice Moreau
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