Whenever I see a Robert Cavalli design on the red carpet I’m always giddy with excitement because few designers have mastered the art of seriously high-octane red carpet glamour quite like the Italian designer.
Roberto Cavalli formed my love animal prints and hypersexual silhouettes while leading the charge for overindulgence in the ‘90s and early 2000s.
All-over sequins, intricate beading, feathers, and party prints proved popular with loyal Cavalli followers like Kylie Minogue, Naomi Campbell, Sharon Stone and Victoria Beckham, to name a few.
When Roberto Cavalli stepped down as creative director, the label tried to herald a new era. But those who grew up with the Roberto Cavalli label wanted a return of the sultry unapologetic glamour, which Fausto Puglisi has modernised while keeping the Cavalli ethos alive.
But that hasn’t stopped the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya, and the Kardashian’s sourcing original Cavalli gowns from the designer’s rich archives.
So with the announcement that Roberto Cavalli passed away at 83-years-old today, I want to thank him for the all the breath-taking red carpet moments that have given us so much joy and pleasure which I still reference to this day.
My favourite memory of Roberto Cavalli was attending a fashion show in Milan, and looking to the left of the runway to see him watching the show from the side-lines. It seemed strange at the time, but looking back he clearly wanted to enjoy the spectacle of it all, and see our expressions as each model dominated the runway.
Even though I loved the animal prints, my favourite Roberto Cavalli moment is still this Kate Hudson’s 2011 ‘The Skeleton Key’ London premiere gown.
Grazie, Mr Cavalli.
In a statement, the House of Roberto Cavalli said “It is with deep regret and a great sadness the Roberto Cavalli Maison participates in the passing of its founder Roberto Cavalli. From humble beginnings in Florence Mr. Cavalli succeeded in becoming a globally recognised name loved and respected by all. He was a natural artist and believed that everyone can discover the artist within themselves. Roberto Cavalli’s legacy will live on via his art, his creativity his love of nature, animals and via his family whom he cherished.”
“Dear Roberto, you may not be physically here with us anymore, but I know I will feel your spirit with me always. 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” says Fausto Puglisi, Creative Director at Roberto Cavalli since October 2020.
“The Roberto Cavalli company shares condolences with Mr. Cavalli’s family loss. His legacy remains a constant source of inspiration” announces Sergio Azzolari, CEO at Roberto Cavalli.
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