Fashion designer Roberto Cavalli has died at the age of 83.
The Italian is worth about 400 million pounds ($497 million). He comes from an artistic family.
His penchant for pythons and eye-catching animal prints has made him a favorite of the world’s jet set for decades.
Cavalli died at home in Florence after a long illness, Italian news agency ANSA reported.
Sergio Azzolari, CEO of Roberto Cavalli, expressed his regret at Mr. Cavalli’s passing and expressed his condolences to his family in a post on Instagram.
Cavalli enjoyed huge cigars, Ferraris, and revealing his tanned chest by not buttoning his shirt.
He had a vineyard in Tuscany and a purple helicopter. He knew several Hollywood celebrities by their first names.
Since 2014, he has been with Sandy Nilsson, a Swedish model who is 45 years his junior.
When his partner gave birth to a baby boy last year, he became a father for the sixth time.
The well-known fashion designer said the new tenant will be named Giorgio in memory of his father, who was murdered by the Nazis during World War II.
He told Novella 2000 magazine at the time: “Sandra is fine.”
“The baby was born a week ago in Florence. He is amazing and I shed a few tears when I saw him shortly after he was born.
“His name is Giorgio, like his grandfather, my father, who was shot by the Nazis in the Cavriglia massacre when I was four years old.
Silvanella Giannoni, whom Roberto first married in 1964 and eventually divorced 10 years later, had two children with him. Tommaso and Cristina are their names.
In addition, he has three children from his second marriage with former Miss Europe Eva Maria Whileer. Their names are Daniele, Rachele, and Robert.
Roberto often discussed how difficult it was for him to grow up after his father was killed and kept him quiet until he was eighteen.
“My father was shot by the Germans in July 1944 during a raid on Castelnuovo dei Sabbioni,” he said earlier.
“He worked as a mining inspector in Valdarn. When I was eighteen I spoke.
“But life was kind to me [and I was] rewarded for everything.”
The greatest place in the world for working with leather is Florence, Italy, where Cavalli was born on November 15, 1940. He was also known for his use of supple sandblasted denim and patterned leather.
In 1975, the fashion legend founded the company that now bears his name. He quickly became famous for his animal print clothing.
Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian, and other rich celebrities adore the clothes she makes.
In 2005, he was asked to redesign the Playboy Bunnies’ revealing outfit and, as usual, created one with a leopard print.
Giorgio Armani praised Cavalli, calling him “a true artist” and saying he would be “greatly missed”.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Armani said: “I always respected Roberto Cavalli, but I never had a different opinion about fashion. Roberto’s use of prints was amazing and crazy and he was a true artist. He had the ability to turn a dream into a sensual garment.
“It was with great sadness that I learned of his death: his Tuscan strength will be sorely missed.”
She called him a “legend” and shared a photo of herself with the fashion designer on her private Instagram account.
“I make no apologies for style and spirit,” wrote the Victoria’s Secret model. We lost a wonderful individual today. “Rest in peace.”
Former Spice Girls member and fashion designer Victoria Beckham referred to him as an “icon”.
Roberto Cavalli’s passing marks the end of an era in the fashion world where his unique vision and flamboyant style captured the hearts of many. Renowned for his bold animal prints and luxurious designs, Cavalli created a signature look that resonated with celebrities and fashionistas alike. His contributions to the industry went beyond just clothing; he brought a sense of drama and extravagance that defined a generation.
Cavalli’s life was as vibrant as his creations. From his artistic roots in Florence to an opulent lifestyle filled with Ferraris and purple helicopters, he embodied the glamor he portrayed in his work. His personal story, marked by tragedy and resilience, adds depth to the legacy he leaves behind. After facing the loss of his father at a young age, Cavalli transformed his pain into creativity, which eventually became a symbol of success and innovation in fashion.
As tributes pour in from fellow designers, celebrities, and fans, it’s clear that Cavalli’s influence will be felt long after his death. Icons such as Giorgio Armani and Victoria Beckham recognized not only his artistic talent but also the warmth and spirit he brought to the industry. His ability to combine art with a passion for life will remain a source of inspiration for generations of designers to come.
Roberto Cavalli may be gone, but his legacy as a fashion pioneer and true artist will live on, leaving an indelible mark on the world he so passionately shaped.