Who Was Roberto Cavalli? A Lookback at Life and Works of Celebrated Italian Fashion Designer

Discover the life and legacy of Italian fashion icon Roberto Cavalli, celebrated for his visionary designs and enduring contributions to the industry, as he passes away at the age of 83.

Updated on Apr 14, 2024  |  08:30 PM IST |  95.1K
Who Was Roberto Cavalli? A Lookback at Italian Fashion Designer's Life and Works
Roberto Cavalli (PC: Getty Images)

The fashion world mourns the loss of one of its most iconic figures as Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli passes away. The fashion designer cum inventor was characterized by his exotic animal print fashion sense and is credited for the incubation of the sand-blasted look for jeans. His legacy, however, continues to shine bright as we reflect on his remarkable life and contributions to the industry.

Everything you need to know about Roberto Cavalli's prominent work 

Roberto Cavalli was a true visionary, known for his extravagant designs and innovative techniques. Born in Florence, Italy, on November 15, 1940, Cavalli's artistic talent was evident from a young age. Inspired by his family's artistic background, he embarked on a journey that would revolutionize the world of fashion.

Throughout his illustrious career, Cavalli's creativity knew no bounds. From his groundbreaking patented leather printing process to his bold use of animal prints and vibrant colors, he captivated audiences with his unique aesthetic.

Talking about his impressive debut collection in 1970, Cavalli shared, as retrieved via Vogue UK, “I had this idea to print on leather. I used glove skin from a French tannery, and when I started to print, I saw it was possible to make evening gowns in leather... in pink-unbelievable.”

One of the major highlights of Cavalli’s career is the creation of sand-blasted jeans which he unveiled in his autumn/winter 1994 collection, and eventually launched his jean brand, Cavalli, in 2000. His designs graced the bodies of some of the biggest stars in the world, including Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and many more, who all donned his creations with style and grace.

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Beyond his renowned fashion empire, married twice, and a father of six children, he balanced his professional success with his love for family. 


ALSO READ: Roberto Cavalli, Legend Who Left Mark On Fashion Industry, Passes Away At 83

The passing of fashion legend, Roberto Cavalli

On April 12, 2024, Roberto Cavalli bid farewell to this world and his fans at the age of 83. His passing marked the end of an era, leaving behind a void that will be difficult to fill. The announcement of his death, made by his eponymous fashion house, sent shockwaves through the industry, prompting an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, admirers, and fans alike.

In a statement released on Instagram, Cavalli's company expressed profound sadness at the loss of its founder. The statement said: “It is with great sadness that today we say our final goodbyes to our founder Roberto Cavalli. From humble beginnings in Florence, Roberto succeeded in becoming a globally recognised name loved and respected by all. Naturally talented and creative, Roberto believed that everyone can discover and nurture the artist within themselves. Roberto Cavalli's legacy will live on via his creativity, his love of nature and his family who he cherished."

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In a post shared on Armani’s X (formerly Twitter) handle, Giorgio Armani paid homage to Cavalli, stating, “I cannot imagine a vision of fashion more distant from mine than that of Roberto Cavalli, yet I have always had enormous respect for him: Roberto was a true artist, wild and wonderful in his use of prints, capable of transforming fantasy into seductive clothes. I have learnt with great sadness of his passing: his Tuscan verve will be greatly missed."


Roberto Cavalli may have departed from this world, but his spirit lives on through his timeless creations and the indelible mark he left on the fashion landscape.

As we bid farewell to a true icon, we celebrate his extraordinary life and contributions, remembering him not only as a designer but as a visionary who dared to dream and inspire others to do the same. 

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FAQs

When did Roberto Cavalli pass away?
Roberto Cavalli, the Italian fashion designer famous for animal-print designs, died on April 12, 2024, at the age of 83.

Who is Roberto Cavalli's ex-wife?
Roberto Cavalli's first wife was Silvanella Giannoni, with whom he had children Tommaso and Cristina. They married in 1964 and divorced after 10 years.

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Vivek Kumar
Vivek Kumar
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Vivek Kumar is a young, enthusiastic writer with a natural talent for expressing his thoughts through writing. Currently

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