REMEMBERING ROBERTO
Harper's Bazaar India|April - May 2024
The maverick Italian designer's life mirrored the grandeur of his designs too.
JISHNU BANDYOPADHYAY
REMEMBERING ROBERTO

In a Harper’s Bazaar interview, Roberto Cavalli described himself as “a typical man” more than a decade ago. He was anything but. Roberto’s design philosophy was a sartorial soirée, an extraordinary celebration of unrestrained sensuality. He died on April 12, at the age of 83.

Born in 1940 in Florence, he was steeped in artistry from his youth. His mother, a seamstress, wove a deep appreciation for textiles and craftsmanship into his being. He further honed his eye when he went to university, where he delved into art history, becoming enthralled by the grandeur of the Renaissance masters. These influences would later bloom into Roberto’s expressive visual language.

Roberto’s artistic sensibilities led him to experiment with printmaking techniques. The 1960s saw him establish a haven for his creativity—a small business where he hand-painted designs onto leather and denim. These unique pieces, imbued with his untamed spirit, captivated the attention of fashion buyers and celebrities. By 1970, Roberto had unveiled his debut collection in Paris, a revolutionary display featuring sand-blasted denim. His work was a defiant roar against the minimalist whispers that dominated the era. His style resonated with a new generation yearning for self-expression and individuality. Icons like Sophia Loren and Brigitte Bardot became early muses, further propelling the designer to international fame.

Bu hikaye Harper's Bazaar India dergisinin April - May 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Harper's Bazaar India dergisinin April - May 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

HARPER'S BAZAAR INDIA DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
TASTE OF LUXURY
Harper's Bazaar India

TASTE OF LUXURY

Delve into the world of flavour and heritage with Khoya.

time-read
1 min  |
March 2025
BRIDGING LEGACY AND MODERNITY
Harper's Bazaar India

BRIDGING LEGACY AND MODERNITY

Founder of Gallery G in Bengaluru, Gitanjali Maini is at the forefront of artistic excellence and innovation. In an exclusive conversation, she talks about creating a dynamic space for artists, collectors, and enthusiasts.

time-read
4 dak  |
March 2025
Rising Above
Harper's Bazaar India

Rising Above

Four women let us in on the heart-dropping feeling of failure and how they conquer the imposter syndrome when it overstays its welcome.

time-read
3 dak  |
March 2025
Perfume Diaries
Harper's Bazaar India

Perfume Diaries

In a unique social experiment, we find out if a fragrance can change the way you experience the world and vice versa.

time-read
5 dak  |
March 2025
Carry On Screaming!
Harper's Bazaar India

Carry On Screaming!

We investigate why women are drawn to horror, and celebrate the genre's feminist renaissance.

time-read
7 dak  |
March 2025
Young Blood
Harper's Bazaar India

Young Blood

The emerging South Asian designer edit.

time-read
6 dak  |
March 2025
Celestial Canvas
Harper's Bazaar India

Celestial Canvas

MAC Cosmetic transforms faces into ethereal masterpieces at Gaurav Gupta's Spring/Summer '25 couture show in Paris.

time-read
1 min  |
March 2025
Crafting Connections
Harper's Bazaar India

Crafting Connections

In conversation with Subodh Gupta on the first Bukhara Biennial and revitalising a cultural pulse through art.

time-read
3 dak  |
March 2025
BAZAAR BUZZ
Harper's Bazaar India

BAZAAR BUZZ

All that is trending in the art, entertainment, and culinary world.

time-read
3 dak  |
March 2025
The Turning Page
Harper's Bazaar India

The Turning Page

This year’s Women’s Day theme—Rights, Equality, and Empowerment—feels more urgent than ever.

time-read
2 dak  |
March 2025