In 1970, a designer introduced their own label, showcasing innovations in leather and denim, while their distinctive and flamboyant style gained admiration from celebrities during the 90s. Roberto Cavalli, the Italian fashion designer known for his extravagant style, has passed away at the age of 83. He was renowned for his bold designs, including leopard-print dresses and bejeweled distressed jeans. Cavalli’s creations graced both the runway and red carpets, adorning models and actresses alike.
His company confirmed his passing on Instagram but did not offer any further information.
Roberto Cavalli’s signature style, described as “very sexy, very animal print, and very Italian,” remained consistent throughout his career, evolving subtly to suit different periods. He experienced multiple resurgences, successfully establishing a worldwide lifestyle brand.
In the 1970s, Roberto Cavalli designed patchwork denim jackets, jeans, and minidresses, which he sold at his boutique in St. Tropez, frequented by actresses like Brigitte Bardot and Sophia Loren.
Roberto Cavalli Transformed Fashion Trends
In the 1990s, Roberto Cavalli transformed luxury denim by introducing the sandblasted look and incorporating Lycra for a snugger, sexier fit. This trend took off when Naomi Campbell wore a pair during a 1993 runway show, sparking the popularity of stretch jeans.
Before his breakthrough, Roberto Cavalli’s business struggled, and he contemplated shutting down his factory. Yet, from the mid-90s, he soared to fashion stardom, boasting global stores and celebrity endorsements, expanding his brand into diverse products like jewelry, perfume, and even a vodka line in snakeskin-covered bottles.
Similar to Gianni Versace or Calvin Klein, Cavalli attained single-name recognition, representing a distinct and instantly recognizable aesthetic.
“Roberto embraced excess without losing his vision,” noted Nina Garcia, Elle’s editor-in-chief in 2020. “Even during the minimalist era, he championed maximalism, dressing us to live life and fashion to the fullest.”
Mr. Cavalli’s bold and revealing designs were not for the shy or intellectual. Instead, he celebrated fashion’s vibrant, extravagant, and indulgent aspects, commanding attention with every Cavalli ensemble.
Peter Dundas, who once held key roles at the brand before leaving in 2016 to launch his own label, described Cavalli as catering to “the inner pop star” in everyone.
Cavalli styled numerous pop stars like Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, and the Spice Girls, including designing outfits for their 2007 reunion tour.
Lived a Royal Lifestyle
Always bronzed and cigar in hand, Cavalli lived a rock ‘n’ roll life, piloting a purple helicopter and yacht. He resided in an ancient farmhouse with a menagerie of pets, meeting his second wife, Eva Duringer, at the 1977 Miss Universe pageant.
Cavalli, a skilled marketer, cultivated luxury around his brand. Yet, he was also a master craftsman, innovating fabric printing and manipulation.
In a 2013 interview with Women’s Wear DailCy, Cavalli emphasized his hard work in creating his glamorous lifestyle beyond the surface.
After his father’s death, Roberto developed a stutter and became rebellious. It wasn’t until he attended the Istituto d’Arte in Florence that he found his purpose.
Cavalli learned to print on T-shirts and sweaters, selling to clients like Hermès in the 1960s. In 1970, he patented printing on lightweight leather and suede. That year, he debuted his first collection at the Salon du Prêt-à-Porter in Paris, featuring leather evening gowns and bathing suits.
“People admire it, but nobody purchases,” Cavalli explained to Vanity Fair. “It’s too innovative, too unfamiliar.”
Cavalli found success with denim, purchasing old jeans from an American prison. His patchwork designs resonated with the rich hippie aesthetic of the early 1970s.
“In fashion, I favor uniqueness over minimalism,” he expressed during a talk at the University of Oxford in 2013. “I’m a mountain amidst minimalism.”
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