A recent gathering at Roberto Cavalli for LUISS Women in Business opened the door to a look into one of Italy’s most celebrated fashion designers. The event featured speeches on a series of topics, focusing on the effect of Italian art on Roberto Cavalli’s designs. Below are highlights from our morning at the Roberto Cavalli store.
Italian Art's Influence on The Brand
Roberto Cavalli is one of Italy’s most established Italian designers, known for his bold and luxurious fashion. He was born in Tuscany in 1940. His upbringing, in an environment immersed with the Italian artistic culture has significantly impacted his collections. Cavalli is the grandson of Giuseppe Rossi whose work has been exhibited at the prestigious Uffizi Gallery in Florence.
Cavalli considers himself “... a Fashion Artist, someone who likes to transform simple white cotton canvases into precious brocades.” and advises studying the History of Art for those hoping to undertake a career in fashion.
Maintaining Roberto's Ideology and Vision in Recent Collections
Although Mr. Roberto Cavalli is no longer directly involved in the management of the company, his legacy continues its influence. Distinctive, sensual, and bold. That is Roberto Cavalli. Just like how, during the 70’s, the brand pioneered experiments with animal prints, which went on to be a cult phenomenon.
The brand’s Creative director keeps this legacy alive by drawing inspiration from modern architecture and the opulence of Mediterranean Baroque with a mixture of the American style. He is “an omnivore of visual culture”. Choosing a Roberto Cavalli garment means choosing an unmistakable style, which celebrates the creativity, originality, and excellence of “Made in Italy”.
The Brand’s Internationalization
Roberto Cavalli’s global journey began in the 90s with boutiques in Venice, Milan, Paris, and Las Vegas. For the celebration of the brand’s 40th anniversary, a gala was held at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts. Cavalli’s distinctive designs and creations were showcased. Attracting famous names like Naomi Campbell, Taylor Swift, Leona Lewis, and Heidi Klum.
Paris Debut and Its Influence on Designs
In 1970 Roberto Cavalli made his debut in Paris. Cavalli presented his leather patchwork garments, being one of the first to experiment with them. In 1972, he paved the way for Hermès, Pierre Cardin, Krizia, Emilio Pucci, and many more with his women’s denim patchwork collection.
The "Made in Italy" Movement and Roberto Cavalli
The "Made in Italy" movement has certainly inspired and never hindered the production of the Roberto Cavalli brand. The brand has emphasized its excellent quality and craftsmanship, guaranteeing the design and creation of unique clothing items. Currently, the Roberto Cavalli line produces RTW and ACC Women - Men - Children - for four collections a year divided into two seasons Spring SUMMER and Fall Winter.
1. Supporting Exotics Prints Responsibly
Roberto Cavalli’s materials and processes align with international standards and regulations. The brand supports the use of ethical alternatives and is committed to animal welfare. The Cavalli Woman uses faux fur. She is wild, but not cruel.
2. The Inspiration and Muse for the Brand
The primary source of inspiration for the brand remains nature. In their words, Roberto Cavalli is: Leopard, crocodile, lynx prints, and the snake to replace spotted animals of every breed. Fish-scale sequins. Ferocious beasts, angels, and demons. Something lunar for galactic microskirts, and jeans printed with ancient baroque motifs. For feline and feisty women who find exhibitionistic confirmation in the Cavalli style.
Fausto Puglisi, the creative director notes: “... I think that creating a collection is a bit like making a film with the actor in mind. You have an idea, you think of a type of woman or man, of a story, and then you start drawing. You can be inspired by a pair of shoes, or obsessed with skirts, white shirts, or an evening dress.”
3. Roberto Cavalli’s Made in Italy Uniqueness
A Heritage so predominant that it puts creativity, freedom, and women’s self-expression first. The brand focuses on enhancing women’s beauty free of external pressures. Roberto Cavalli recognizes fashion as an ever-evolving and ever-expanding universe. They are always on the lookout for new materials, designs, and colors. This is what differentiates the brand from others.
4. The Evolution of The Brand
A notable change for the brand is the one in ownership. Today Roberto Cavalli Group is controlled by Auriel Investment SA. The new leadership has implemented strategies to evolve with the digital age and focus on engaging with a new generation of fashion enthusiasts. Inclusiveness is an important focus of the brand of which it is an active implementer.
Fausto Puglisi: “I believe in a woman who doesn't need anything, very independent and less tied to the traditional idea of family.” “... I realize that the idea of patriarchal power must end."
5. The FLORENCE Perfume
Autumn in Tuscany... FLORENCE Eau de Parfum by Roberto Cavalli. Conveyed by this scent is the Mediterranean warmth in the coldest moments of the year in picturesque Tuscany. Launched in 2017 by Marie Salamagne, named after the city of Florence with beautiful architecture and unforgettable landscapes. “It portrays a romantic and passionate woman, with an innate elegance. Who dances to the sound of the wind in total freedom.”
Its trail begins with a halo of sweetness, created by the fusion of blackcurrant and mandarin. The main accords of grapefruit flowers and hibiscus seeds reveal its floral facet, leading to the warmth of patchouli, musk, and amber.
Inspired by Italian art, showcased in its enthusiasm for creativity, excellent craftsmanship, and pioneering modernity combined with traditional essence, Roberto Cavalli remains a great example of a brand that reflects its legacy to the emerging and evolving world.
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