Renowned fashion figure Roberto Cavalli, the founder of his eponymous fashion label, has passed away at the age of 83.
Cavalli had been battling illness for an extended period, frequently undergoing hospital visits for routine examinations, as reported by his family.
The news of his passing was also confirmed by his company via their official Instagram account, expressing gratitude for Cavalli’s global impact and creativity.
Making his debut in Paris in 1970 with brands that retain his name to this day, Cavalli’s artistic lineage was deeply ingrained, with his grandfather being a noted painter associated with the Macchiaioli movement, whose works grace the halls of the Uffizi Gallery in Italy.
Initially honing his craft at the Florence State Institute of Art, specializing in textile applications of painting, Cavalli’s talent drew the attention of notable figures in the French fashion scene, leading to his pivotal debut collection at the Salon du Prêt-à-Porter in Paris, followed by presentations in Florence and Milan, catapulting his career to new heights.
Cavalli’s distinctive style, characterized by bold and seductive elements such as ripped jeans, patchwork, leather, and brocades, was epitomized by his iconic use of animal prints, embodying a vision of women as untamed and alluring creatures.
Throughout the 1990s, Cavalli’s fashion ethos, defined by its gritty glamour and opulent aesthetic, became synonymous with luxury and indulgence, culminating in the opening of his first boutique in St. Tropez, France, in 1972, marking the beginning of a storied legacy.
His innovative approach to design extended beyond apparel, encompassing a diverse array of products under the RC Menswear, Just Cavalli, and Roberto Cavalli Home brands, offering accessories, fragrances, lingerie, and more.
Although Cavalli sold his eponymous company in 2015, his enduring influence on the fashion world remains palpable, with his legacy continued by designer Fausto Puglisi under the stewardship of Dubai billionaire Hussain Sajwani’s Vision Investments.
Roberto Cavalli is survived by his longtime partner Sandra Bergman Nilsonn and his six children, Tommaso, Cristiana, Robert, Rachele, Daniele, and Giorgio, leaving behind a profound impact on the fashion industry.
