Renowned Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, known for his iconic bold animal prints, sadly passed away at the age of 83 in his Florence home on April 12, 2024.
Cavalli began his fashion career by patenting a leather printing technique and went on to open his first boutique in Saint-Tropez, France in 1972. Throughout his illustrious career, he earned prestigious commissions from top fashion houses like Hermès and Pierre Cardin.
In addition to his groundbreaking contributions to the fashion industry, Cavalli was also known for his personal life. He was in a relationship with former model Sandra Nilsson, who is 45 years his junior, since 2014.
Sandra, who was Playboy magazine’s Playmate of the Month in January 2008, shared a special bond with Cavalli, with the designer even gifting her a private island in Sweden in 2015 as a symbol of his affection.
Despite being twice divorced, Cavalli had a total of six children. In March 2023, Cavalli and Sandra welcomed their first child together, a son named Giorgio.
The couple chose to name him after Cavalli’s father, who tragically lost his life in the Cavriglia massacre when Cavalli was just a young child. This meaningful gesture paid tribute to Cavalli’s heritage and family history.
