Fashion designer Roberto Cavalli dies at the age of 83

The Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli is dead. Cavalli died in Florence at the age of 83 after a long illness, the news agencies Ansa and Adnkronos reported on Friday evening, citing confidants and his family.

The fashion house of the same name shared its sadness over his death on Instagram. “It is with great sadness that we say our final farewell to our founder today,” it said. Cavalli’s legacy will live on through his creativity, his love of nature and his family.

The Ansa news agency reported that Cavalli had been seriously ill for some time. His health has deteriorated in the past few days. Accordingly, he died surrounded by his immediate family. He leaves behind a total of six children. The Italian was married several times. For the past 15 years, he has been with his life partner Sandra Bergman Nilsson. Almost a year ago the two had a son.

Roberto Cavalli with the stars of Hollywood on a first-name basis

The Italian was considered one of the most famous designers in Italy. He became world-famous in particular for his exotic patterns and animal fur looks in his clothes. He repeatedly emphasized that he was interested in exotic animals – he was inspired by them in many of his creations. Many celebrities subsequently wore his clothes.

The now deceased fashion designer was born in Florence in 1940. He was interested in fashion from an early age. Art and creativity played a big role in his family. His grandfather Giuseppe Rossi belonged to the Macchiaioli group of painters, whose pictures adorn the Uffizi Gallery. At the age of 17, Cavalli enrolled at the art institute in his hometown.

At the age of 30, he presented his first ready-to-wear collection. The Italian opened his first boutique in 1972 in Saint-Tropez, southern France. One of his first customers there was the actress Brigitte Bardot. After that, he also managed to attract the attention of the international jet set. He later expanded his range, launching a jeans label, men’s lines and children’s collections, shoes, accessories and swimwear.

Initially worn in the 70s by actresses such as Sophia Loren and Brigitte Bardot, years later stars of the next generation such as TV star Kim Kardashian and singer Jennifer Lopez Cavallis also loved skin-tight and sensational designs. The fashion designer himself was fond of Ferraris, big cigars and wide-unbuttoned shirts that revealed his tanned chest.

Cavalli married a runner-up, owned a purple helicopter and owned a winery in Tuscany. He was on a first-name basis with Hollywood celebrities. In 2005, Cavalli was tasked with updating the Playboy Bunnies’ uniform – he stayed true to himself and introduced a leopard-print version.

Note: This article has been updated.