Best known for his flamboyant designs beloved by celebrities and supermodels alike, Roberto Cavalli leaves behind a vibrant legacy formed over 50 years in fashion.
The late Italian designer, who died on 12 April at the age of 83, was famous for his love of animal prints, fringing, beading, clashing colours and cut-outs.
His various brands, including Roberto Cavalli, Just Cavalli and Roberto Cavalli Parfums, channelled a flirtatious femininity that wasn’t for the faint hearted.
Not only did he dress stars such as Beyonce and Taylor Swift for the red carpet but he designed some of their most memorable stage costumes for, respectively, their Renaissance and Eras tours.
Kate Moss fronted several of Cavalli’s ad campaigns while her rocker ex, The Libertines’ Pete Doherty, became the face of the designer’s Fall 2007-2008 men’s collection.
Best known for his flamboyant designs beloved by celebrities and supermodels alike, Roberto Cavalli (pictured in 2014) leaves behind a vibrant legacy formed over 50 years in fashion
Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Jordan Dunn are amongst the supermodels who have long been fans of his daring designs while woman of the moment Zendaya was photographed in a Cavalli gown as recently as March.
Speaking to New York-based Women’s Wear Daily, fellow Italian designer Alberta Ferretti said: ‘Cavalli wrote a very important chapter of Italian fashion, set to continue inspiring future generations.’
Former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham led tributes to Cavalli following the announcement of his death after a long illness.
Sharing a tribute on her Instagram stories, the now fashion designer herself posted a photo of herself holding hands with Cavalli whilst he had his hand raised and made the peace sign.
She wrote: ‘So sorry to hear the sad news of Roberto’s passing. He’ll forever be an icon.’
Here, FEMAIL has curated some of Cavalli’s most striking looks. We hope you agree that it’s a fitting homage…
Victoria Beckham arrives for the Swarovski Fashion Rocks for The Prince’s Trust in Monte Carlo on October 17, 2005, wearing a gorgeous blue and green gown by Roberto Cavalli
Beyonce wearing a black, tiered Cavalli creation to perform at the Oscars in 2005
Taylor Swift wore a sparkling, navy blue two-piece by Roberto Cavalli to attend last year’s Grammy Awards
Swift performing during her Eras Tour in Singapore dressed in an asymmetric, beaded jumpsuit by Cavalli
Supermodel Cindy Crawford wore a white Cavalli gown with heavy gold beading to the Cannes Film Festival in May 2013
Kendall Jenner wore a sheer Cavalli gown with extensive beading to the Cannes Film Festival in 2019
Kate Moss fronted Roberto Cavalli’s 2006 spring/summer collection ad campaign, modelling lacey lingerie
Olivia Palermo wore classic Cavalli – a leopard-print gown – to attend the Cannes Film Festival in 2013
Woman of the moment Zendaya looked typically stunning in a silver Cavalli gown with beading and fringing in March of this year
Model Jordan Dunn attended London Fashion Week in 2014 wearing a silk Cavalli blazer and matching mini skirt
Actress Halle Bailey wore a blue Cavalli gown at the 2024 People’s Choice Awards in February
Kim Kardashian looked striking in a fringed leather skirt and sheer top by Roberto Cavalli in Paris in 2014
Cavalli also designed for men – this bright look is taken from his spring 2009 menswear show in Milan