Farewell to an icon: Legendary designer Roberto Cavalli, who dressed ... trends now
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.
Pallbearers carry the coffin of Italian designer Roberto Cavalli on the day of his funeral in Florence
Sandra Bergman Nilsson cries as she bids farewell to Cavalli, who was her partner of 15 years
Model Afef Jnifen blows a kiss to the coffin of Roberto Cavalli, whose fashion house she began her career with
Cavalli's funeral mass was held at San Miniato al Monte, a major landmark in Florence which has views of the city
Former football player Giancarlo Antognoni (c), who played for Fiorentina, attends the funeral ceremony
Cristiana Cavalli, daughter of Roberto Cavalli and a former CEO of the company, is seen at his funeral service
Family members and other mourners embrace and wipe away tears as they gather outside the church
Nilsson and other mourners wipe away tears as they approach the entrance to the church
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
