Roberto Cavalli Dies At 83: Italian Fashion Designer Styled Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift And More
Roberto Cavalli has passed away.
The famed Italian fashion designer died on Friday. He was 83. His company confirmed his death in a post on social media.
"It is with great sadness that today we say our final goodbyes to our founder Robert Cavalli," the statement shared on Instagram read. "From humble beginnings in Florence, Roberto succeeded in becoming a globally recognized 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 via his family who he cherished."
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The post also included several quotes from the designer, who is popular for using bright colors, patchwork effects and animal prints in his revealing creations. One quote explained why he was into animal prints.
"I copy the dress of an animal because I love to copy God. I think God is the most fantastic designer," Cavalli said.
Fausto Puglisi, creative director at the Roberto Cavalli fashion house since October 2020, and CEO Sergio Azzolari also released statements via the same post about the legendary designer's passing.
"Dear Roberto, you may not be physically here with us anymore, but I know I will feel your spirit with me always," Puglisi said of Cavalli. "It is the greatest honor of my career to work under your legacy and to create for the brand you founded with such vision and style. Rest in peace, you will be missed, and you are loved by so many that your name will continue on, a beacon of inspiration for others, and especially for me."
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(Photo : Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)
"The Roberto Cavalli company shares condolences with Mr. Cavalli's family loss. His legacy remains a constant source of inspiration," Azzolari added.
The announcement received several reactions, with many paying tribute to the talented designer.
"RIP, thank you for your legendary contribution to this industry," one commented.
Another added, "Rest in Peace, Sir! You were a Legend!"
"Oh, this is sad news. He was always so generous, supportive and nice to me during my time in Italy. Biggest love and condolences to the entire Cavalli family and team," another netizen remarked.
(Photo : CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images)
Rachel Smith, an American actress, TV host and model, recounted the time she wore one of his designs for Miss Universe.
"It was an honor wearing one of your beautiful gowns when I competed on the Miss Universe stage in Mexico City in 2007. Thank you for your creativity and talents, sir. May you rest peacefully," the beauty pageant titleholder wrote.
According to the Italian news agency Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA), the designer died at his home in Florence, Italy, following a long illness.
Throughout his career, Cavalli styled several celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, Sophia Loren and more, per Entertainment Tonight. Swift wore three customs from Roberto Cavalli Atelier during her "The Eras Tour" in Arizona in March 2023, including the light gold fringed mini dress, embroidered snake asymmetrical black catsuit and rhombus top and mini skirt.
(Photo : Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
The capsule collection designed by Puglisi for the billionaire superstar included jeweled dresses adorned with precious Swarovski crystal embroidery and intricate embellishments. Each costume reportedly required over 170 hours of handcraftsmanship from skilled artisans.
Cavalli began his career in fashion in the 1970s. However, it wasn't until 1993, when Naomi Campbell modeled his trademark stretch jeans, that his brand was catapulted to fame, and his name became synonymous with luxury fashion.
