Renowned for his vibrant and bold designs, Robert Cavalli leaves behind a legacy of innovation and glamour in the fashion world

Roberto Cavalli, the esteemed Italian fashion designer famed for his flamboyant and glamorous designs, dies at the age of 83, according to an announcement from his company. His passing marks the end of an era for the fashion industry, where his impact was both profound and transformative.

Fausto Puglisi, the Creative Director at Roberto Cavalli since October 2020, expressed his condolences and reverence on Instagram, stating, “Dear Roberto, you may not be physically here with us anymore but I know I will feel your spirit with me always.” He added, “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.”

Born on November 15, 1940, in Florence, Cavalli was part of an artistic family. Tragically, he was orphaned of his father at the age of four during a Nazi roundup known as the Cavriglia massacre. Despite these early hardships, Cavalli’s flair and passion for fashion propelled him to international fame. He launched his career in the early 1970s, quickly becoming known for his pioneering work with animal prints and his sexy, bold aesthetic.

Cavalli was an innovator not just in design but also in production techniques. He patented a new method for printing on leather and was the first to introduce the look of patchwork denim and sandblasted jeans, which became emblematic of his brand. His designs often featured elements from nature, such as animal prints and fish-scale sequins, making his creations stand out for their vitality and appeal.

His company fondly remembers him, stating, “From humble beginnings in Florence, Roberto succeeded in becoming a globally recognized name loved and respected by all. His legacy will live on via his creativity, his love of nature, and via his family who he cherished.”

Roberto Cavalli stepped back from the day-to-day operations of his fashion house about a decade ago, after selling the majority of his company to the private equity group Clessidra. However, his influence continued to permeate the brand, which is now controlled by Auriel Investment SA.

Cavalli once described his approach to design in his autobiography, “Just Me,” noting, “Don’t call me a designer. My talent is rather finding what makes a fabric, a dress, a woman special, thinking always of fashion as if it is a dream of ready-to-wear, something ready to be worn.”

He leaves behind his partner since 2014, model Sandra Nilsson, and six children, having welcomed his youngest child at the age of 82. Roberto Cavalli’s innovative spirit and bold designs will undoubtedly continue to influence and inspire the fashion world for generations to come.