Roberto Cavalli, Italian fashion designer, dies at 83
On August 15, 2023, the renowned Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli passed away at the age of 83 in Florence. Born in 1940, Cavalli drew inspiration from his grandfather, Giuseppe Rossi, and pursued his studies at the Accademia di Belle Arti. His creations were favored by Shakira for her global tour and were also commissioned by Hugh Hefner for the Playboy Bunnies' outfits. Significant exhibitions featured his work, such as "More and more more and more" at Palazzo Pitti in 2002 and "Men in skirts" at the Victoria & Albert Museum. Cavalli's career flourished in the 1990s and 2000s, with the launch of Just Cavalli in 1998 and a boutique-café in 2002. He sold his brand in 2015 and 2019, with Fausto Puglisi later revitalizing its style.
Key facts
- Roberto Cavalli died at 83 in Florence.
- Born in 1940 in Florence, influenced by grandfather Giuseppe Rossi, a Macchiaioli painter.
- Studied at Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze.
- His brand was chosen by Shakira for her first world tour.
- Hugh Hefner commissioned Cavalli to create new Playboy Bunny uniforms.
- Exhibition 'More and more more and more' at Palazzo Pitti in 2002 curated by Italo Rota.
- Retrospective 'Men in skirts' at Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
- Cavalli debuted at Salon du Prêt-à-Porter in Paris and in 1972 at Palazzo Pitti and Milano Collezioni.
- Launched Just Cavalli and RC Menswear in 1998.
- First boutique-café opened in Florence in 2002.
- Collaborated with H&M for a fast-fashion line.
- Ex-wife Eva Maria Düringer was Miss Austria and creative director.
- Brand sold in 2015 and 2019 to a Dubai billionaire.
- Fausto Puglisi became creative director, reviving original aesthetics.
Entities
Artists
- Roberto Cavalli
- Giuseppe Rossi
- Italo Rota
- Fausto Puglisi
- Eva Maria Düringer
Institutions
- Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze
- Palazzo Pitti
- Victoria & Albert Museum
- Salon du Prêt-à-Porter
- Milano Collezioni
- H&M
- Playboy
- Artribune
Locations
- Florence
- Italy
- Paris
- France
- Milan
- London
- United Kingdom
- Dubai
- United Arab Emirates