12 April 2024 , 21:17
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Model Sandra Nilsson, who is 45 years his junior, has been his partner since 2014
The Italian, thought to be worth more than £400million ($497m), came from a family of artists.
His penchant for python and flamboyant animal prints made him the darling of the international jet set for decades.
Italian news agency ANSA reported that Cavalli died at home in Florence after a long illness.
Cavalli had a taste for Ferraris, fat cigars and tailored shirts unbuttoned to expose his tanned chest.
He owned a purple helicopter and a Tuscan vineyard, and was on a first-name basis with Hollywood A-listers.
Swedish model Sandra Nilsson, who is 45 years his junior, has been his partner since 2014.
He became a dad for the sixth time last year when the couple had a baby boy.
The fashion industry legend explained they would be calling the new arrival Giorgio, in tribute to his father who was shot by Nazis during the Second World War.
At the time, he told magazine Novella 2000: "Sandra is doing fine.
"The baby, who was born a week ago right here in Florence, is beautiful and it was really emotional to see him right after he was born.
"His name is Giorgio, like his grandfather, my father whom the Nazis shot in the Cavriglia massacre when I was four years old."
Roberto has children Tommaso and Cristina from his first marriage to Silvanella Giannoni, who he married in 1964 before they divorced ten years later.
He also has Robert, Rachele and Daniele from his second marriage to former Miss Europe model Eva Maria Duringer.
Roberto has long spoken about his rough upbringing following the murder of his father, which left him mute until the age of 18.
He said previously: "My father was shot by the Germans in July 1944, in a raid on Castelnuovo dei Sabbioni.
"He was a surveyor, he worked for a mine in the Valdarno. I didn’t speak until 18.
"But life has been kind to me [and I have been] rewarded for everything."
Born November 15, 1940, in Florence, Italy’s premier leatherworking centre, Cavalli was known for his use of printed leather and stretchy, sand-blasted jeans.
The fashion guru founded the company that bears his name in 1975 - quickly becoming known for its animal print designs.
Its creations are beloved by wealthy stars including Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga and Beyonce.
The designer was tapped in 2005 to update the Playboy Bunnies’ scanty uniform and true to form he introduced one version in leopard print.