Florentine-born fashion designer Roberto Cavalli is famous for his flashy animal prints and provocative, sexy designs.
Born on November 15, 1940, he is the grandson of famous Florentine impressionist painter Giuseppe Rossi and son of a tailor. He learned the ropes of design and sewing early in his childhood. Cavalli continued on the art path to become a vivid and creative fashion designer.
He attended the Academy of Art and began experimenting with painting and unusual designs. Roberto invented the process of printing onto lightweight leather; a process which he would later patent. His work with leather put him on the fashion map.
He would take leather and pieces of fabric and patch them together. He created “patchwork” garments, like coats and jeans, that Brigitte Bardot debuted in St. Tropez.
In 1972, Cavalli unveiled his first fashion line in his hometown of Florence at the Palazzo Pitti. Unfortunately, his designs were not received well by fashion critics; calling his work offbeat and tasteless. He felt his style was a great contribution to the fashion industry and continued designing.
His wife, Eva Duringer, Miss Universe of Austria, helped catapult Cavalli’s career to the next level. He judged the competition when she won her crown. She is his design assistant taking care of the styling and final design decision for his fashion shows. Together they have three children, plus two from a previous marriage.
Now a luxury designer, Cavalli dresses the rich and famous, including Victoria Beckham, who has an exclusive dressing contract with him, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, Shakira, and Micheal Jackson.
It is rumored that he is designing outfits for Jackson’s 
upcoming tour, as well as the Spice Girls tour.
Cavalli has also collaborated with H&M to create an exclusive line for men and women debuting November 2007.
“As the first Italian designer in the history of H&M, I enthusiastically welcomed this invitation, proud to bring the lively and positive spirit of my work to a new audience, who will be able to see and interpret my style in an individual way. I love freedom and challenges: breaking down barriers, experimenting in different directions. H&M is all this for me. I will add a dash of festivity and dreams,” explains Roberto Cavalli.
Kate Moss, featured here, has been the face of Cavalli for many years. It was a shock to the fashion community when Cavalli continued to use Kate Moss even after her drug scandal when many designers would not feature her.
Today his international fashion house is estimated to be worth over $65 million and includes women and menswear, children’s, underwear, casual lines, eye wear, timepieces and Vodka.
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