Roberto Cavalli: The Italian fashion designer dies at the age of 83

Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, known for his animal prints on leather and textiles, has died at the age of 83.

The fashion house that bears his name announced his death on Instagram but did not provide any details.

The Italian news agency ANSA reported that he died at his home in Florence after a long struggle with illness.

He founded his company in the 1970s. His designs have been worn by stars such as Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez.

Fausto Puglisi, Roberto Cavalli's creative director, said the designer would continue to be seen as a “beacon of inspiration for others.”

Cavalli was born on November 15, 1940 in Florence, famous for its leather industry.

After launching his namesake fashion brand in 1970, he later invented and patented an innovative leather printing process.

Cavalli opened his first small store, Limbo, in Saint-Tropez, France, in 1972.

In addition to animal prints, he was also known for his hippie dresses, sand jeans, and patchwork designs on denim.

In 2005 he was tapped to update the Playboy Bunnies' skimpy outfit, even introducing one leopard-print version.

When asked what inspired him to use animal prints in his designs, Cavalli told Vogue in a 2011 interview: “I love everything that comes from nature.”

He went on to tell the magazine: “I began to appreciate that even fish have a wonderful colorful dress, and so do the snake and the tiger.[ed] To understand that God is truly the best designer, so I began to imitate God.”

Armani founder Giorgio Armani was among those who paid tribute to the late designer, saying his “Tuscan vitality” will be missed.

He said in a statement posted on Armani’s social media accounts: “Roberto was a true artist, wild and brilliant in his use of prints, able to transform imagination into seductive clothing.”