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SING IT FOR THE KING OF BLING
The fashion industry mourns the death of legendary fashion designer Roberto Cavalli
Italian fashion icon Roberto Cavalli died on April 12, at the age of 83, after prolonged illness. The designer became a force to reckon with in the world of fashion in the 1970s and soon became known for developing an innovative process of printing on leather and denim. Cavalli was also a lover of animal prints and bejewelled distressed jeans, which often reflected in his collections. He was in relationship with model Sandra Nilsson since 2014 and is survived by six children; his youngest was born in 2023.
Nicknamed the King of Bling for his extravagant lifestyle, Cavalli is credited with introducing printed leather gowns in 1970 and sandblasted jeans, which changed the fashion scene in 1994.
Current creative director of the Roberto Cavalli brand, Fausto Puglisi took to social media to express his grief. “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 (sic).”
We speak to Indian fashion icons and designers mourning the loss.
I had the privilege to meet him twice during his India visit. He had a persona of a film star and was legendary in his own right. When he came onto the fashion scene, his designs became a smashing hit, being synonymous with everything hot and sexy. When we were younger, and travelled abroad, bringing back a Cavalli piece used to be a must.