The Italian fashion star Roberto Cavalli has died in Florence after a long illness. Italian media report this unanimously. The designer, who was particularly famous for his creations with an animal fur look, was 83 years old.
The Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli is dead. Cavalli died in Florence at the age of 83 after a long illness, Italian news agencies report, citing confidants and his family. He leaves behind six children.
The fashion house of the same name shared its sadness over the designer’s 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.
Famous for animal fur creations
Cavalli was particularly famous for his creations with an animal fur look and was considered a particular favorite of the international jet set: he presented his first ready-to-wear collection when he was just 30. The Italian opened his first boutique in 1972 in Saint-Tropez, southern France. One of his first customers there was the actress Brigitte Bardot.
But his fashion is still popular today. For example, TV star Kim Kardashian and singer Jennifer Lopez Cavallis wore skin-tight and sensational designs. Over the course of his career, Cavalli expanded his range, launching a jeans label, men’s lines and children’s collections, shoes, accessories and swimwear.
Ferraris and big cigars
The fashion designer was considered a playboy and bon vivant: he liked Ferraris, big cigars and liked to wear shirts that were wide unbuttoned. 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.
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. He has been with his partner Sandra Bergman Nilsson for the past 15 years. Almost a year ago the two had a son.