Roberto Cavalli, icon and symbol of Italian fashion, died at the age of 83

The designer Roberto Cavallia symbol of Italian fashion, died today at the age of 83 in his native Florence (north), after a long illness and after a famous career as a stylist spanning more than four decades in which he became a true style icon.

The stylist and businessman died at home, after his conditions suddenly worsened, along with his partner of the last 15 years, Sandra Bergman Nilsonn, with whom he had the last of his six children, less than two years ago, according to reports. local media.

Cavalli (Florence, 1940) combined his great artistic talent with his entrepreneurial ability to create his own style, which catapulted him to success since he began his career in the seventies until he ended with the sale of his brand in 2015, almost immediately after their last show just a few months earlier.

At the end of the sixties he patented a leather printing process and began to create patchwork of materials and colors and in 1970 he presented his first collection at the Paris Ready-to-Wear Salon.

From there she rose to fame, conquering the most important catwalks in the fashion world with her animal costumes and opening her first store two years later in Saint-Tropez, where celebrities such as Brigitte Bardot and Mick Jagger attended.

His fame grew in a short time until he became the king of “animal” suits, as the New York Times called him, but his Denim collections and glamorous dresses worn by some of the most famous women of the moment also stood out.

Cavlli, who was also a prominent member of the jet set, famous for his sumptuous parties at his villa in Florence, knew how to take advantage of his empire, with new brands, such as Just Cavalli, which he launched in the late 90s with clothing, but also sunglasses, watches, perfumes, underwear and swimsuits.

In 2015, the designer sold his historic house, transferred to an investment fund, and shortly after he left his position as creative director of the brand.

The designer who died today, whose father died at the hands of the Nazis when he was a child, a burden he carried all his life, had two children from his first marriage to Silvanella Giannoni and another three from his second wife, Eva Duringer, who was also his right hand in the fashion adventure. Added to these five children is little Giorgio, born from his relationship with Bergman Nilsonn.

“We learned with deep pain of the death of the great Florentine designer Roberto Cavalli. He has left his mark on the modern language of Italian fashion. We will not forget his brilliance and his unconditional love for Florecia”wrote the city’s mayor, Darío Nardella, on social networks.

The president of the Tuscany region, Eugenio Giani, highlighted his indomitable spirit. His legacy of boldness and beauty will always remain in our hearts and on catwalks around the world. Rest in peace!”.

With information from EFE