There are few people who better embodied the purring come hither of Roberto Cavalli’s designs than a 2005 to 2008-era Victoria Beckham , back when the pop star-turned-professional WAG was cycling through choppy bobs on the outskirts of Madrid. Though we now tend to think of Beckham as being permanently preserved in the amber of some straight-legged tuxedo pants – and perhaps a Balenciaga pantaboot – this was a moment in time when she seemed committed to the most exotic mores of fame: to superyachts, private jets and at least 15 engagement rings. To tits, tans and teeth – all of which Beckham brandished with the same carnal spirit as Cavalli’s zebra-print beach dresses.
“I am grateful for the possibility of being close to such a wonderful woman as Victoria, ” Cavalli said in 2006. “For she is not only glamorous and beautiful, but a person with a special sensibility, personality and true soul.” An iconic fashion partnership Cavalli was one of the first high-fashion designers – among them Roland Mouret , Matthew Williamson and Christopher Bailey – to consider the former Spice Girl not just a muse, but an equal.
“The celebrity connection is very important. It’s important because it’s adrenaline, and that’s what starts creativity,” Cavalli once said. Roberto Cavalli shared with Victoria Beckham a passion for bling, sequins, and celebrity.
When the designer sadly passed away at 83 years of age on Friday 12 April – leaving behind one of the most orn.