Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli dies at 83

Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, known for his animal print designs beloved by celebrities, has died at the age of 83, his company said. Cavalli founded his brand in the early 1970s, after he had been ill for some time.

He is survived by his six children and his partner, Sandra Bergman Nelson.

“Roberto Cavalli Company expresses its condolences to the family of Mr. Cavalli, whose legacy remains a constant source of inspiration,” Roberto Cavalli CEO Sergio Azzolari posted on Instagram.

The designer died at his home in Florence on Friday, Italy’s ANSA news agency reported.

Cavalli, who uses bright colors and patchwork effects in his often revealing creations, is an outgoing art lover who wears tinted glasses and smokes cigars.

He branched out into real estate, often spending nights at his popular “Just Cavalli Cafe” nightclub in the center of Milan.

Giorgio Armani said he has always had “great respect” for Cavalli, despite his very different views on fashion.

“Roberto is a true artist with a wild and wonderful use of prints, able to transform fantasy into seductive garments,” he posted on social media platform X.

In July 2000, a popular photo of American model Cindy Crawford showed her walking down Rome’s Spanish Steps in a tiger-face gown by Cavalli.

Fausto Puglisi, creative director of Roberto Cavalli, said: “You will be missed and loved by many, and your name will continue to live on as a beacon of inspiration to others, especially me.”

The Florence-based fashion group is owned by Auriel Investment SA, which is controlled by Dubai-based Hussain Sajwani, who rescued the group in 2019.

According to Italian media reports, Cavalli’s funeral will be held in Florence on Monday (April 15).