Roberto Cavalli
One of the most noteworthy and celebrated fashion designers in the business today, Roberto Cavalli is known for everything from his high end couture line to his bridge line to his work with international mass retailer H&M.
Roberto Cavalli was born November 15, 1940 in Florence, Italy. Growing up, Cavalli was surrounded by a world of fashion and art. Cavalli’s father was a noted painter who specialized in impressionism, while his mother was a tailor.
Cavalli’s design style is characterized by wild prints, usually animal-inspired. His style is also characterized by sexy cuts such as plunging necklines and high slits. These artistic flourishes earned him comparisons to some of fashion’s best, including Gianni Versace and Donatella Versace.
His outspoken designs have earned the attention of many celebrities desiring his unique look on the red carpet. Fan favorites include Victoria Beckham in particular. Signing an “exclusive dressing contract” with the designer, Cavalli’s designer credentials shot through the roof.
2006 was another high profile year when Cavalli announced he wanted Kate Moss to head his Spring 2006 collection. Choosing Moss, who was fresh off her drug scandal, was a risky but ultimately smart choice by Cavalli. Moss went on to head his 2007/2008 collection as well.
Affecting the music industry as well, Cavalli’s designs can be seen on Shakira for her Oral Fixation Tour as well as Baby Spice, Sporty Spice, Posh Spice, Scary Spice, and Ginger Spice for The Spice Girls reunion tour. Other music stars to strut Cavalli’s threads are Christina Aguilera, and even Michael Jackson is rumored to sport the Cavalli look for his potential tour.
Keeping himself busy, Cavalli has been commissioned to design outfits for the expecting Jennifer Lopez.
Also making headlines in November of 2007, Cavalli agreed to design a line for the popular retailer H&M. Other stars to do so include Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Viktor & Rolf, and Madonna. A total success, Cavalli’s line flew off the shelves. Across America, the designs often sold out in less than fifteen minutes.
His numerous businesses include the self-titled couture-minded line as well as the cheaper bridge line Just Cavalli. There is also Roberto Cavalli Class and Roberto Cavalli Angels.
In an entirely different professional arena, he also launched a self-titled, high end vodka.
Outside of fashion, Cavalli is equally noted for his over the top lifestyle. Not only has he purchased multiple houses, he is also married to Austrian Miss Universe runner-up, Eva Duringer, whom he met in 1978.
Cavalli has three children—two from a former marriage and one with current wife Duringer.