Legendary Italian designer Roberto Cavalli died Friday in Florence at the age of 83.
An Instagram account linked to the fashion magnate’s business confirmed the news.
“It is with great sadness that today we say our final goodbyes to our founder Roberto Cavalli,” the company said in a statement. “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.”
“The Roberto Cavalli company shares condolences with Mr. Cavalli’s family loss,” CEO Sergio Azzolari said in the statement. “His legacy remains a constant source of inspiration.”
Fellow Italian fashion icon Giorgio Armani paid his respects to Cavalli soon after the news broke, saying “his Tuscan verve will be greatly missed.”
“I cannot imagine a vision of fashion more distant from mine than that of Roberto Cavalli,” Armani wrote, “yet I have always had enormous respect for him: Roberto was a true artist, wild and wonderful in his use of prints, capable of transforming fantasy into seductive clothes.”
Starting in the 1970s, Cavalli made a mark in the global fashion industry with sandblasted jeans, animal prints, and highly embroidered leatherwork.
Countless celebrities have worn Cavalli on the red carpet, from Gwyneth Paltrow to Beyoncé to Zendaya.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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