REMEMBERING ROBERTO

The maverick Italian designer's life mirrored the grandeur of his designs too.

- JISHNU BANDYOPADHYAY

In a Harper’s Bazaar interview, Roberto Cavalli described himself as “a typical man” more than a decade ago. He was anything but. Roberto’s design philosophy was a sartorial soirée, an extraordinary celebration of unrestrained sensuality. He died on April 12, at the age of 83.

Born in 1940 in Florence, he was steeped in artistry from his youth. His mother, a seamstress, wove a deep appreciation for textiles and craftsmanship into his being. He further honed his eye when he went to university, where he delved into art history, becoming enthralled by the grandeur of the Renaissance masters. These influences would later bloom into Roberto’s expressive visual language.

Roberto’s artistic sensibilities led him to experiment with printmaking techniques. The 1960s saw him establish a haven for his creativity—a small business where he hand-painted designs onto leather and denim. These unique pieces, imbued with his untamed spirit, captivated the attention of fashion buyers and celebrities. By 1970, Roberto had unveiled his debut collection in Paris, a revolutionary display featuring sand-blasted denim. His work was a defiant roar against the minimalist whispers that dominated the era. His style resonated with a new generation yearning for self-expression and individuality. Icons like Sophia Loren and Brigitte Bardot became early muses, further propelling the designer to international fame.