Italian designer Roberto Cavalli, known for his extravagant and animalistic designs, passed away this week at the age of 83. Cavalli, who founded his own brand in 1970, was a pioneer in incorporating zebra, giraffe, leopard, and lynx prints into his collections, creating a sartorial menagerie that captivated the fashion world.
His bold and daring designs, which often featured exotic skins and animal prints, symbolized excess, sex, and aspiration. Cavalli’s creations were a stark contrast to the minimalism of other designers at the time, making him a standout figure in the industry.
Following the tragic murder of Gianni Versace in 1997, Cavalli stepped into the spotlight and quickly gained popularity among celebrities and fashion icons. Stars like Paris Hilton, Candace Bushnell, and Victoria Beckham were all fans of his wild and untamed aesthetic.
Despite facing criticism from animal rights activists and some fashion publications, Cavalli’s shows were always a star-studded affair, with celebrities flocking to his modernist estate outside Florence to witness his latest creations.
With his larger-than-life personality and unapologetically bold designs, Roberto Cavalli leaves behind a legacy as the king of the leopard print jungle, forever remembered for his wild and extravagant fashion creations.
