Cavalli was born in 1940 in Florence, Italy, and enrolled in the Institute of Art of Florence when he was 17. Though world renown for using wild animal prints in his designs, many do not know that he was the inventor of a revolutionary printing procedure for leather. This patent allowed him to create his first patchworks, which were then immediately acquired by Hermès and Pierre Cardin, his very first clients.

By 1970, Cavalli debuted the Roberto Cavalli collection at the Salon for Prêt-à-Porter. Shortly after, he stunned the fashion with his bold style and flair in Milan as leather patchwork and denim prints of python, zebra, and leopard strutted down the runway. Immediately, Cavalli's name became synonymous with primeval, jungles sensuality. In 1972, he opened his first boutique in Saint-Tropez, France. Cavalli's creations became popularized by a devote, cultish following of the Hollywood elite. Though his innovations have been an inspiration to countless other designers, the Roberto Cavalli style is still instantly recognizable as a true master of patterns, vibrant colors, and most importantly the female form.

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  Roberto Cavalli Cutout Blouse & Peony Print Full Skirt $1335.00
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  Roberto Cavalli Peony Print Full Skirt $2435.00
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  Roberto Cavalli Floral Print Tunic & Stretch Wool Jeans $885.00
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  Roberto Cavalli Cutout Blouse $1335.00
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  Roberto Cavalli Floral Print Chiffon Tunic $1495.00

In September 1994, Cavalli continued to expand on his successes by presenting his new jeans collection in Milan. The creation of Just Cavalli followed 4 years later, featuring a more affordable Cavalli line that highlights his denim creations. Just Cavalli men and women apparel and accessories are sold in upscale department stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdales. The brand pressed forward over the years with the unveiling of RC Menswear, Angels and Devils (a line for children), RC Underwear, RC Freedom (leisurewear), RC Class (sophisticated knitwear), RC Timewear (by Sector), RC Profumo (fragrances), RC Eyewear (by Marcolin), RC Accessories, and RC Casa. In 2002, Cavalli opened the Giacosa Café in Florence, which features many of his animal prints while retaining the essence of a historic Italian tea-house. He opened two more cafés in Torre Branca and Via Spiga.

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  Roberto Cavalli Stretch Wool Jeans $885.00
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  Roberto Cavalli Floral Appliqué Sweater Coat $1965.00
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  Roberto Cavalli Mixed Print Cocktail Dress $1755.00
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  Roberto Cavalli Printed Jersey Dress $1275.00
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  Roberto Cavalli Diamante Print Hammered Silk Blouse $1065.00
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  Roberto Cavalli Mandarin Collar Blouse $985.00
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  Roberto Cavalli Floral Print Sheath Dress $1835.00
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  Roberto Cavalli Stretch Silk Gown $2045.00
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  Roberto Cavalli Stretch Jeans $625.00
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  Roberto Cavalli Tee with Hardware Detail $695.00
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  Roberto Cavalli Reptile Print Dress $1595.00
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  Roberto Cavalli Halter Dress $1195.00
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  Roberto Cavalli 'Diamante' Print Dress $1275.00
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  Roberto Cavalli Floral Print Jersey Dress $1365.00
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  Roberto Cavalli Deep V Jersey Dress $1365.00
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  Roberto Cavalli High Waist Stretch Denim Pants $535.00
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  Roberto Cavalli 'Tigerous Print' Stretch Silk Tank $695.00
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  Roberto Cavalli Stretch Silk Dress $1325.00
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  Roberto Cavalli 'Tigerous Print' Dress $1445.00
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  Roberto Cavalli Classic Cotton Twill Denim Jeans $585.00

One of the most respected qualities of Roberto Cavalli is that he doesn't waver from his visions and concepts, no matter how risqué or controversial. This became the most apparent in 2006 when he became the first designer to publicly announce that he wanted Kate Moss as the face of his Spring 2006 collection immediately after she was filmed snorting cocaine. Nonetheless, the scandal blew over quickly as his reputation as a reputed and innovative designer continued to soar. In 2006, he signed an exclusive dressing contract with Posh Spice (Victoria Beckham), and he has also been designing outfits for Shakira's Oral Fixation tour and red carpet appearances.

Cavalli presently lives in the hills surrounding his home city of Florence with his wife, Eva Duringer (a former Miss Universe contestant), and his three children. Many of Cavalli's inspirations are derived from the many items found in his several homes and villas.