Life is Edit. #004 ～Unforgettable Days with Roberto Cavalli～

Roberto Cavalli, the founder of E.C.W., once said during his lifetime:
"A watch is like a magical object that whispers only to you as time passes."
Even now, three years after his passing, the watch he gifted me continues to speak to me.

My Italian Father: Our First Encounter

Roberto Cavalli. A pivotal figure who recognized and brought the talent of Franck Muller to the world, and the founder of European Company Watch, E.C.W.
Born in Venice, he embodied the sophisticated Italian gentleman, and above all, he was a man who loved and was loved by people. I met him eight years ago.
It was at the WPHH (World Presentation of Haute Horlogerie) in Geneva, held by Watchland, which houses Franck Muller, at the new product exhibition venue. First, his stylish appearance caught my eye. A well-tailored double-breasted blazer, short grey trousers, slip-on shoes without socks, and on his wrist, a large watch with an azure dial (which is common now). The moment he shook my hand with his beaming smile and large, thick hands, I became his fan instantly.

After finishing the customary watch interview, we moved on to completely unrelated topics... Actually, I'm quite good at that kind of rambling conversation (laughs). So, I started confiding in him about personal matters, like my father's illness and work worries, very naturally.
Yes, I felt as if I were talking to my own father. He, in turn, responded by sharing stories of his parents' divorce during his childhood and the loneliness he felt then...



A tribute model to Mr. Roberto Cavalli. Every time I wear this watch, I feel as if he is watching over me from heaven.
I was reminded that this is what watches are all about.

Though we had just met, I felt a connection, and it deeply moved me. Of course, we spoke without an interpreter.
After all, it's embarrassing for grown adults to talk about such things (laughs). Since then, we've had a father-son-like relationship.
And every time we met, he would embrace me with his large hands and strong arms, saying, "Oh! My Son!"

Memories in Milan, Amidst Falling Snow

A few years later, I met him again in Milan. It was for a fashion shoot where he was featured.
His office on Via della Spiga was on a high floor without an elevator, so we had to go up and down many times every time we changed outfits.
At that time, I asked him, concerned about his health, "Are you okay? Shall we take it slower?" But he replied, "Don't worry, Aki. I'm still young!" Sensing our tight schedule with sunset approaching, he showed concern for us instead.
Thanks to that, the shoot concluded successfully, and both photographer Hataguchi-san and I were very satisfied. My favorite shot is of him walking down the street with the collar of his favorite coat, which he had worn for over 10 years, turned up.
"You look just like Robert De Niro."
Cavalli-san gently placed his hand on my shoulder as I said that.
These are nostalgic memories from a cold Milan, where light snow was falling.


It was a great joy that this work, arguably the best photograph in my career as an editor, was adopted as the tribute visual for E.C.W. worldwide.
It was truly a job that fulfilled an editor's pride.

Sudden News of His Passing, and a Watch Arrives

Then, in the autumn of 2004, I received a call from World Commerce, the importer of E.C.W.
It was the news that Cavalli-san had passed away. I was speechless and wept alone in my office.
To me, his presence was more than that of an irreplaceable father.

Six months later, a watch was delivered to me. The Roberto Cavalli Tribute Model.
It was a non-sale model, with only 61 units produced worldwide, made to commemorate his age at the time of his death, 61.
The honor of being gifted this watch, reserved only for those he loved, was overwhelming. But what surprised me even more were the words engraved below his name on the back—"azzurro."

This word, meaning "the blue of Italy," was actually a quote from something I had personally interviewed him about during our time in Milan.
"I only wear blue ties. Light blue or dark blue, it doesn't matter. But they must be plain.
Regimental ties are for Englishmen. Floral and printed ties are for the French. But I am Italian."
It was a quote from those very words...

Mr. Roberto Cavalli, myself, and this one watch.
That wonderful encounter and time remain in my heart, and this watch continues to speak to me.

"A watch is something that stays on your wrist all day, whether it's a good day or a bad day,
and becomes a part of you and your personality."

May today be a good day too.
As if making a wish, I put on a watch every morning.