Legend passes away. With heavy hearts, we announce the loss

Roberto Cavalli, a renowned fashion designer, passed away unexpectedly at 83.

Born into a family of artists in Italy, Cavalli was estimated to be worth about £400 million ($497 million). His bold animal prints and use of python made him a favorite among the global elite for many years.

The Italian designer died at his Florence home after a long illness, reported ANSA, an Italian news outlet.

Sergio Azzolari, the CEO of Roberto Cavalli, shared his condolences with Cavalli’s family on Instagram, mourning the designer’s loss.

Cavalli was famous for his love of big cigars, Ferraris, and signature open shirts that revealed his bronzed chest. He also owned a vineyard in Tuscany and a purple helicopter and was on a first-name basis with many Hollywood stars.

Since 2014, Cavalli had been in a relationship with Swedish model Sandy Nilsson, who is 45 years younger. They named their son Giorgio after Cavalli’s father, who was killed by Nazis in WWII. Cavalli expressed his emotions saying, “Giorgio was born in Florence a week ago. I shed many tears when I first saw him because he is so beautiful.”

With his first wife, Silvanella Giannoni, whom he married in 1964 and divorced ten years later, Cavalli had two kids, Tommaso and Cristina. His second marriage, to former Miss Europe Eva Maria Duringer, produced three more children: Robert, Rachele, and Daniele.

Cavalli often discussed his childhood hardships following his father’s death. He recalled, “The Germans shot my father during a raid in July 1944. I didn’t speak until I was eighteen. Despite everything, I’ve led a rewarding life.”

Cavalli gained fame for his innovative use of stretch denim and patterned leather. He founded his label in 1975, which quickly became known for its animal print clothes worn by celebrities like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Kim Kardashian.

In 2005, Cavalli redesigned the iconic Playboy Bunnies outfit, choosing a leopard print.

Giorgio Armani praised Cavalli on X (formerly Twitter), calling him a “true artist” and saying he will be “deeply missed.” “Although our fashion views greatly differed, I always respected him,” Armani noted. “Roberto was brilliant at creating bold, dreamy clothes.”

Victoria’s Secret model Adriana Lima shared a photo with Cavalli on Instagram, labeling him a “legend” and adding, “We lost a magnificent person today. Rest in peace.”

Victoria Beckham, former Spice Girl and fashion designer, honored him as an “icon.”