Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli has died aged 83, the company has announced.
“The Roberto Cavalli company shares condolences with Mr Cavalli’s family loss,” Sergio Azzolari, chief executive of Roberto Cavalli said in an Instagram post.
Cavalli died at his home in Florence, Italy, Italian news agency ANSA reported.
He had been ill for some time and his health conditions had significantly worsened in recent days, it added.
Cavalli was known for exotic animal prints and for creating the sand-blasted look for jeans.
The company he founded sells luxury clothing, handbags, shoes and perfume.
He is survived by his six children.
“It is with great sadness that today we say our final goodbyes to our founder Roberto Cavalli,” the company said on Instagram.
“From humble beginnings in Florence, Roberto succeeded in becoming a globally recognised 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.”
Fausto Puglisi, creative director at Roberto Cavalli since October 2020, wrote in a post on Instagram: “Dear Roberto, you may not be physically here with us any more but I know I will feel your spirit with me always.
“Your name will continue on, a beacon of inspiration for others, and especially for me.”
