FAREWELL TO AN ICON: DESIGNER ROBERTO CAVALLI LAID TO REST IN FLORENCE
Legendary fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, who passed away on Friday aged 83, was laid to rest alongside other greats of his hometown of Florence today following a star-studded funeral service at one of the city's most famous churches.
Described as an 'icon' by Victoria Beckham, as well as countless others, Cavalli dressed the likes of Kim Kardashian, Taylor Swift and Zendaya, and rose from humble beginnings to become one of the pre-eminent designers of his era.
Funeral decorations were uncharacteristically pared back for the designer - known for his bold prints and colours - with no flowers in sight save for on his plain wooden coffin.
The father-of-six, who died at home after a long illness, is said to have asked for donations to the Florence hospital that treated him instead of floral tributes.
Mourners, largely dressed in simple black suits and dark sunglasses, thronged around the church of San Miniato al Monte - a prominent site which enjoys some of the best views of the historic city and the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
Cavalli's two ex-wives, Silvana and Eva, as well as his girlfriend Sandra Nillson, were all in attendance. Nillson, who had been with Cavalli for 15 years and shares a young son with him, was seen breaking down as she approached his coffin.
His children were emotional as his coffin was brought out of the hearse and carried into the church by pallbearers.
Cavalli's son Daniele was seen comforting his mother Eva, a fashion designer in her own right, embracing her and planting a kiss on her cheek.
His daughters were seen wiping away tears and many family members were seen hugging, while his son Robin stood calmly as he supported his mother.
Eldest daughter Cristiana Cavalli, a designer and former CEO of his company, was seen wearing a white shirt as she stood outside the church with her family.
Onlookers applauded as Cavalli's coffin was lifted from the hearse and completed its final journey to the church.
Famous faces from the Italian fashion world gathered to pay their respects, including Afef Jnifen, who began her career as a top model with the Cavalli fashion house.
Football star Giancarlo Antognoni, who is regarded as one of the best Italian players of all time and spent most of his career at Cavalli's beloved Fiorentina, was pictured nearby the family speaking to fellow mourners.
Princess Mafalda of the historic Savoy dynasty attended with her partner Mario Luca Giusti, who smiled and put up a peace sign as he arrived.
Former Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi and his wife Agnese sent one of the only bouquets seen at the service, an arrangement of white roses.
Cavalli will be buried at the Porte Sante, a cemetery which is home to other eminent sons of Florence including Italy's 44th prime minister Giovanni Spadolini and Pinnochio author Carlo Collodi.
During his funeral mass, priest Father Bernado spoke of Cavalli's creativity and imagination during his eulogy, telling the congregation that his work was a 'source of light and peace in a time of wars'.
A simple black and white photo of Cavalli sat atop his coffin - which was described as 'monastic' by the Italian media - and the resplendence of the 11th century church surrounded the congregation as they bid farewell to him.
As news of his death broke on Friday, the fashion world flooded social media with heartfelt tributes.
Victoria Beckham shared a tribute on her Instagram stories, Beckham posted a photo of herself holding hands with Cavalli whilst he had his hand raised and made the peace sign.
She wrote: 'So sorry to hear the sad news of Roberto's passing. He'll forever be an icon.'
Giorgio Armani had high praise for the 'true artist', writing on Twitter/X: 'I cannot imagine a vision of fashion more distant from mine than that of Roberto Cavalli, yet I have always had enormous respect for him.'
He continued: 'Roberto was a true artist, wild and wonderful in his use of prints, capable of transforming fantasy into seductive clothes. I have learnt with great sadness of his passing: his Tuscan verve will be greatly missed.'
Brazilian model Adriana Lima said alongside a picture of her and Cavalli on X: 'Unapologetic in style & spirit. We lost a legend today. Rest in Peace, @Roberto-Cavalli'.
Roberto Cavalli, whose penchant for python and flamboyant animal prints made him the darling of the international jet set for decades, died aged 83 on Friday, his luxury brand said.
'It is with deep regret and a great sadness the Roberto Cavalli Maison participates in the passing of its founder Roberto Cavalli,' wrote the company in a statement.
'From humble beginnings in Florence Mr Cavalli succeeded in becoming a globally recognised name loved and respected by all,' the statement continued.
American singer and actress Jennifer Hudson wrote on the Twitter/X: 'Roberto Cavalli was always one of my favorite designers. A true artist in every sense of the word!
'He made the world a more beautiful place and will be dearly missed. May he rest in peace!'
Italian President Giorgia Meloni wrote on Twitter/X: 'With the passing of Roberto Cavalli, Italy and the world of fashion lose a great entrepreneur and innovator.
'His name will forever and everywhere remain synonymous with style. My deepest condolences go to his loved ones.'
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