Since the 1970s, Roberto Cavalli has been innovating fashion in ways never thought of before. Through his textile expertise, Cavalli made a name for himself. During his career, he created new methods that birthed longstanding fashion innovations. Eventually, he became a popular designer among celebrities, solidifying Cavalli as a major fashion house.
Unfortunately, the fashion world has suffered a major loss. Cavalli’s fashion house announced his death on April 12, 2024. He was 83 years old.
“It is with deep regret and great sadness that the Roberto Cavalli Maison participates in the passing of its founder, Roberto Cavalli,” the company shared in a statement per NPR. “From humble beginnings in Florence, Roberto succeeded in becoming a globally recognized name loved and respected by all. [His] legacy will live on via his creativity, his love of nature, and his family, whom he cherished.”
Cavalli’s creative director, Fausto Puglisi, also released a statement on Instagram.
“Dear Roberto, you may not be physically here with us anymore, but I know I will feel your spirit with me always,” Puglisi wrote. “Rest in peace; you will be missed. You are loved by so many that your name will continue on, a beacon of inspiration for others, and especially for me.”
The news of Roberto Cavalli’s death has reminded fashion lovers of his innovation and contribution to fashion. His designs and techniques also altered fashion’s trajectory and provided new paths in styling. He advanced pop culture with his designs, that were seen on celebrities such as Beyoncé and Madonna.
Cavalli’s death is a reminder to pursue your dreams.
Cavalli was born in Florence, Italy, and his mother was a seamstress, according to Vogue magazine. Although he had the foundation to be a designer, he pursued art and architecture in college. Later, after assisting a friend with their knitwear line, he was inspired to experiment with floral prints. He began using the prints on clothing, which led to him forming a textile printing technique.
The idea proved to be adequate, as he eventually opened a factory in 1960 to produce garments. Unfortunately, the building was damaged in a flood a few years later. It wasn’t until 1970 that Cavalli would see more success in his career.
Per Vogue magazine, the designer crashed a party at Mario Valentino’s house in 1970. While at this party, he began pursuing a woman, and to impress her, he told her about his developing techniques.
He was then introduced to Valentino and began showing off his skills. Valentino and party bystander Hermès were highly impressed, so much so that they offered to buy the rights to the technique. However, Cavalli saw the opportunity to keep his idea to himself and opened his first store in Saint-Tropez.
Cavalli is the brainchild of everything from stretch jeans to the lived-in jeans look.
Using his textile printing method, Cavalli introduced a new way to wear jeans. The designer debuted patchwork denim with floral prints, perfect for the ’70s fashion era. He continued to capitalize on the jeans by adding Lycra to produce a more skin-tight structure. Not to mention, he also invented the lived-in jeans look by creating a sand-blasting denim technique.
In the early 2000s, Cavalli transitioned from a cutting-edge denim company to a red-carpet regular. This transition led the company to new heights, making Cavalli a top name in fashion.
Cavalli has spent over 40 years impacting fashion in major ways. His legacy will continue to live on through his fashion house and iconic pieces. We’d like to offer our deepest condolences to Roberto Cavalli’s family and loved ones.
What is your favorite Cavalli piece? Let us know in the comments.
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