Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli has died. He was 83.
“It is with great sadness that today we say our final goodbyes to our founder Roberto Cavalli,” his namesake brand announced in a statement on Instagram Friday.
“From humble beginnings in Florence, Roberto succeeded in becoming a globally recognised name loved and respected by all. Naturally talented and creative, Roberto believed that everyone can discover and nurture the artist within themselves.
“Roberto Cavalli’s legacy will live on via his creativity, his love of nature and via his family who he cherished.”
Cavalli’s cause of death was not immediately shared.
The legendary maximalist was known for his love of bright colors, animal print and bejeweled designs worn by celebrities from Zendaya to Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Rita Ora, the Spice Girls and more. His creations included skin-baring designs, embellishments, exotic motifs and all manner of bold accents that made a Cavalli look instantly recognizable.
Cavalli was a fan of the phrase “excess is success” — and the motto was apparent in his work as well as his personal sensibilities, including his purple metallic yacht, among many other cherished items.
He launched his brand in 1970 after studying at the Art Institute of Florence. He later invented and patented his own printing process on leather and quickly opened shop in St. Tropez, where he gained notoriety for his leather goods.
Cavalli shared children Tommaso and Cristina with his first wife, Silvanella Giannoni, whom he married in 1964. Ten years later, the couple divorced.
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