Roberto Cavalli Has Passed Away
Photo: Mauricio Miranda/Penske Media via Getty Images
Roberto Cavalli — the Italian designer best known for his vivid, maximalist animal prints — has passed away. He was 83.
"It is with great sadness that today we say our final goodbyes to our founder Roberto Cavalli," read a statement from his namesake brand, posted to Instagram. "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."
The post highlights some of Cavalli's most iconic quotes, including, "I copy the dress of an animal because I love to copy God. I think God is the most fantastic designer."
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Fausto Puglisi, who's been the creative director at Roberto Cavalli since 2020, said, in a statement: "You may not be physically here with us anymore but I know I will feel your spirit with me always. 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."
Having studied textile prints at the Art Institute of Florence, Cavalli started his namesake label in 1970. Early in his career, he also invented a leather-printing technique that would catch the attention of Hermès and Pierre Cardin. (Cavalli's also credited with popularizing stretch denim.) His work really took off in the 2000s, when his jungle-inspired designs and use of exotic skins were at the center of some now-iconic celebrity looks, such as Aaliyah's 2000 MTV Video Music Awards tiger-stripe number and Cindy Crawford's 2000 leopard print slip.
Sergio Azzolari, Roberto Cavalli's current CEO, said that "his legacy remains a constant source of inspiration."
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