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Roberto Cavalli for sale on 1stDibs
Whether they’re adorned with understated floral patterns or colorful prints that draw on the wonders of the animal kingdom, vintage Roberto Cavalli dresses and evening gowns, shirts and skirts are unapologetically exuberant. All of the seductive garments crafted at the luxury fashion house have long been associated with extravagance and red-carpet sophistication, and their stories begin in Central Italy.
Roberto Cavalli was born in Florence, Tuscany, in 1940 into an already artistically rich family — his mother was a tailor, and his grandfather, Giuseppe Rossi, was a member of an Italian art movement called Macchiaioli that shared common ground with Impressionist painters. Cavalli was creative at the onset and focused on textiles at the Florence Academy of Art. He garnered some high-profile attention with bold prints on knitwear.
After he patented an experimental and revolutionary process that saw him printing on lightweight leather, Cavalli secured commissions from major fashion houses such as Hermès and Pierre Cardin. He explored integrating handmade ornamentation in his designs and found limitless inspiration in the majestic creatures of the jungle.
In the early 1970s Cavalli unveiled his first namesake collection in Paris and the Sala Bianca of Palazzo Pitti in Florence. He then opened his inaugural boutique in France’s Saint-Tropez in 1972. While the designer’s printed denim offerings were deemed unsophisticated by the day’s couturiers — they looked down upon the material — Cavalli’s form-fitting, sensual cuts, innovative patchwork and obvious dedication to impeccable craftsmanship found admirers in the likes of Sophia Loren and Brigitte Bardot.
In 1980 Cavalli married former beauty pageant contestant Eva Düringer, who became his trusted business partner. Now a signature of the label, the pair introduced their first sand-blasted jeans in 1994 and later opened boutiques in Venice and elsewhere.
Cavalli’s designs sold all over the world, and the brand’s success helped pave the way for the introduction of a line called Just Cavalli that targeted younger consumers and RC Menswear to complement the array of day dresses, shoes, lingerie and coats and outerwear that were offered in his popular boutiques.
In 2005 Cavalli was asked to help reinvigorate Playboy’s iconic bunny costumes and, in 2006, model Kate Moss starred in his spring/summer ad campaign. A year later, Cavalli created an exclusive collection for H&M and designed costuming for Jennifer Lopez concerts as well as the Spice Girls.
Sicilian designer Fausto Puglisi was appointed creative consultant in 2020 at the Roberto Cavalli brand, which is now owned by Vision Investments.
Find vintage Roberto Cavalli clothing, accessories, handbags and purses and more on 1stDibs.
Finding the Right day-dresses for You
Luxurious and versatile, designer day dresses are as well suited to tea at an upscale hotel as they are to your next garden or rooftop party.
Today’s featherlight unisex day dresses — as well as the vibrant vintage day dresses of the 1950s and ’60s — look quite different from the heavy, fabric-rich de rigueur garments of the Victorian era. In the late 19th century, a woman of a certain standing might have multiple dresses to wear throughout the day: specifically, one or two for the daytime and one for the evening. For example, a long-sleeve silk dress with a prominently flared back and a round collar of gold beaded lace that hugs the neck would be suitable for stepping out during the day, while a velvet gown trimmed in silk embroidery but overall comparatively informal in appearance would be worn for afternoon tea at home. At night, a silk velvet evening dress could feature natural world motifs such as butterflies (a characteristic of Art Nouveau design) and have short sleeves adorned with lace and ruffles and a scooped neckline — the perfect attire for the theater.
During the 1920s, after all the chores were done, a woman would change from her housework clothing into a more fashionable day dress to run her errands or socialize. Some 1920s day dresses were brightly colored and featured bold patterns — a cotton dress with a dazzling floral print, perhaps, or, in the case of the more venturesome Art Deco apparel sold in high-end couture fashion boutiques of the era, semi-sheer silk garments embellished with three-dimensional beadwork or rich metallic gold lamé.
Today, a closet full of casual vintage day dresses is a must-have. Whether you opt for black, crimson or beige, day dresses bring an element of glamour to your next appointment, and in the summer, who doesn’t love a wonderfully simple, lightweight day dress cut in cotton and linen?
Because different fashion designers of every decade have offered their own take on the widely loved day dress, you’ll be able to find a variety of vintage and designer day dresses on 1stDibs. Search by creator to find enduring designs by the likes of Emilio Pucci, Pierre Cardin, Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior, or browse by period to uncover a scintillating collection of cotton and satin patterned dresses of the 1950s and ’60s.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Roberto Cavalli does not offer a repair service. However, they will evaluate the possibility of repair or replacement for items purchased from the brand’s website within 24 months of purchase. For repairs outside of the first 24 months, refer to your local eyeglass wear store. Shop a large collection of authentic Roberto Cavalli from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Roberto Cavalli shoe sizing depends on the style and fabrication. Please refer to the measurements and description on the brand’s website for additional fit notes. Shop a range of Roberto Cavalli shoes from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Roberto Cavalli is pronounced “ro-BUR-o ka-VA-lee.” Roberto Cavalli is an Italian luxury fashion house founded by designer Roberto Cavalli and is known for animal prints and bold glamour. Shop a wide range of Roberto Cavalli pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A new Roberto Cavalli handbag is available from Roberto Cavalli directly as well as through multiple retailers. For physical store locations, consult the brand’s website. Past season handbag styles are available through multiple platforms, including 1stDibs. It’s important to purchase Roberto Cavalli handbags from a reputable seller to ensure authenticity. While Robert Cavalli has at times inspired knockoffs, 1stDibs partners with only top-vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Roberto Cavalli sunglasses are typically made in Italy. Luxury eyewear manufacturer Marcolin produces eyewear for the fashion house. You can check the inner right temple of the sunglasses to find out the manufacturing location. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Roberto Cavalli sunglasses.1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022While Roberto Cavalli is designed in Italy, the majority of Roberto Cavalli sunglasses are made in China with some of the styles crafted in Italy. Shop a collection of Roberto Cavalli sunglasses from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Roberto Cavalli sunglasses can be purchased through various authorized retailers, including 1stDibs. Always purchase Roberto Cavalli sunglasses from a reputable seller to ensure authenticity. While Robert Cavalli has at times inspired knockoffs, 1stDibs partners with only top-vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.