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Roberto Cavalli closes US stores

Source: Roberto Cavalli

The brand is seeking an agreement with creditors to stay afloat as it searches for an investor.

The US shutdown is another chapter in what has been a turbulent few years for the Florentine fashion house known for its bold animal prints and flamboyant take on glamour.

SEE ALSO : Roberto Cavalli launches an exclusive afternoon tea in Beijing

In October 2015, Italian private equity firm Clessidra SGR bought a 90 percent stake inthe brand, at the time reportedly valuing the business at €390 million ($437.54 million). Cavalli retains the remaining 10 percent. The firm brought on Gian Giacomo Ferraris — the man credited with swiftly returning Versace to profitability — as chief executive to help with a brand relaunch.

However, failing turnaround efforts saw Clessidra tap Rothschild to help find a minority investor for the fashion brand last October. Philipp Plein and Diesel founder Renzo Rosso’s OTB group were among those rumoured to be exploring a deal, as well as US investment firm Bluestar Alliance.

The house has also seen a relatively high turnover of creative talent since Cavalli himself relinquished his design role four years ago. Peter Dundas remained just 19 months at the brand, from 2015 to 2017, while last week saw the resignation of his successor Paul Surridge, after less than two years at the creative helm. Surridge posted a statement to his personal Instagram confirming his exit.

SEE ALSO : Paul Surridge departs from Roberto Cavalli

“I have given much consideration to this decision and reached the conclusion that the mission I have signed on has changed and enters a new direction with a new perspective,” the statement read. “I now wish to focus on other projects that I put aside in order to achieve our common goals with Roberto Cavalli Group.”