Roberto Cavalli Dies: Italian Fashion Design Icon Was 83

Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli died today at his home in Florence, Italy after an unspecified illness.. He was 83 years old.

His fashion house confirmed the news on Instagram, writing, “A life lived with love. It is with great sadness that today we say our final goodbyes to our founder Roberto Cavalli. From humble beginnings in Florence, Roberto succeeded in becoming a globally recognized 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.”

In the caption of the Instagram post, Fausto Puglisi, creative director at Roberto Cavalli, gave his own tribute.

“Dear Roberto, you may not be physically here with us anymore but I know I will feel your spirit with me always,” Puglisi wrote. “It is the greatest honour of my career to work under your legacy and to create for the brand you founded with such vision and style. Rest in peace you will be missed and you are loved by so many that your name will continue on, a beacon of inspiration for others, and especially for me.”

Sergio Azzolari, CEO at Roberto Cavalli, added, “The Roberto Cavalli company shares condolences with Mr. Cavalli’s family loss. His legacy remains a constant source of inspiration.”

Cavalli presented his first collection in the 1970s in St. Tropez. However, his brand was largely confined to Europe until the 1990s, when he became one of the first designers to put Lycra in jeans. His taste for prints and bold colors soon won him international acclaim. He was a frequent guest on many red carpets and was followed by a bevy of Hollywood stars.

Cavalli was born Nov. 15, 1940, in Florence. Survivors include six children and his partner Sandra Nilsson. He was previously married twice.