Italian designer Roberto Cavalli, known for his extravagant and animal-inspired creations, passed away this week at the age of 83. Cavalli lived as he designed, surrounded by a menagerie of parrots, Persian cats, monkeys, racehorses, and luxury toys like Ferraris and a helicopter.
Establishing his own brand in 1970, Cavalli quickly became synonymous with bold animal prints such as zebra, giraffe, leopard, and lynx. His designs exuded excess, sex, and aspiration, making him a favorite among the rock ‘n roll St. Tropez set. While he also dabbled in lace, sequins, studs, and denim, it was his love for over-the-top sartorial creations that truly set him apart.
Following the tragic murder of Gianni Versace in 1997, Cavalli stepped into the spotlight and gained mass popularity in the late nineties as a counter to the minimalist fashion trends of the time. Celebrities like Paris Hilton, Candace Bushnell, and Victoria Beckham all became fans of his flamboyant designs.
Despite facing criticism from animal rights activists like PETA and some fashion critics, Cavalli’s shows were always a star-studded affair, with celebrities flocking to his modernist estate outside Florence. He was the main sponsor of the 2004 show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, titled “Wild: Fashion Untamed,” and even had his designs featured in the fashion satire film “Zoolander.”
Roberto Cavalli may have been a controversial figure in the fashion world, but there’s no denying the impact he had on the industry with his bold and unapologetic designs. As the lord of the leopard print jungle, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of designers.
