Roberto Cavalli. Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Vogue & The Dubai Mall
Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli has died. He was 83.
His death was confirmed via the official Roberto Cavalli Instagram account on Friday, April 12. “A life lived with love,” the statement began. “It is with great sadness that today we say our final goodbyes to our founder Roberto Cavalli. “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 nature the artist within themselves.”
The statement concluded: “Roberto Cavalli’s legacy will live on via his creativity, love of nature and via his family who he cherished.”
Roberto Cavalli creative director, Fausto Puglisi, shared a statement in the caption of the social media post writing, “Dear Roberto, you may not be physically here with us anymore but I know I will feel your spirit with me always.”
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He continued, “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 so loved by so many that your name will continue on, a beacon of inspiration for others, and especially for me.”
The late designer and his namesake fashion house has been beloved by many, including a number of A-listers for years like Beyoncé, Kris Jenner, Taylor Swift, Madonna and Zendaya.
Cavalli famously believed that “excess is success,” and championed maximalism in his collections with the use of animal prints, vibrant patterns, jewel embellishments and bold colors.
“Fashion is part of our life,” he told CNN in 2008. “When you wake up in the morning you say, ‘What do I have to wear to look beautiful, fantastic, sexy, special?’ That is the reason I love being a fashion designer because I can use it to measure your mood, your life.”
Cavalli launched his luxury label in his native Florence, Italy, in 1972.