11 Times Celebrities Wore Iconic Looks by Roberto Cavalli

Amidst fashion’s ongoing yearning for ‘90s and 2000s nostalgia, Roberto Cavalli’s influence feels more vital than ever. Known for his unapologetically sexy silhouettes, animal prints, and boundary-pushing designs, Cavalli was guaranteed to have the biggest names of every era dressed to impress. The designer, who passed away at the age of 83 in April 2024, leaves behind a legacy and archive like few others.

Before social media dictated viral fashion moments, Cavalli was crafting them. His appeal comes from a deep-rooted understanding of glamour: the kind that makes heads turn and cameras flash. With revolutionary textile treatments and a flair for drama, he transformed fabric into fantasy—making Cavalli a go-to for stars who wanted to command attention. The Florentine designer’s work has always embodied a kind of kinetic energy: bold, dynamic, and full of life.

That star magnetism hasn’t waned. Celebrities have long embraced Cavalli’s distinctive Y2K aesthetic, from Aaliyah wearing a nude gown of his in 2001 to Beyoncé and Christina Aguilera. Fast forward to today, and Cavalli’s legacy lives on through the likes of Megan Thee Stallion, Bella Hadid and Zendaya—all of whom have either tapped into his archives or donned his modern designs with undeniable flair. The Met Gala has also seen its fair share of Cavalli moments, through the likes of Naomi Campbell and Kim Kardashian.

Roberto Cavalli's know-how and way of turning a woman into something else through his bias cut dresses and wild prints stands the test of time. Click through the gallery below to revisit Roberto Cavalli’s most iconic celebrity moments over the years, including times when Aaliyah, Zendaya, and Taylor Swift wore his creations.