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Roberto Cavalli

Italian, 1940-2024

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.

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Period: 1970s
Designer: Roberto Cavalli
Roberto Cavalli 1970's Vintage Leather & Suede Patchwork Embellished Vests
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Antwerp, BE
Roberto Cavalli 1970's Vintage Leather & Suede Patchwork Embellished Vest. This is more than just a vests, it encapsulates the rich heritage of Ro...
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1970s Italian Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli Museum-Worthy 1971 Patchwork Debut Collection Vintage Jacket
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Museum-worthy. More than just a jacket, it encapsulates the rich heritage of Roberto Cavalli's fashion history. Roberto Cavalli first found recognition in the global fashion market ...
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1970s Italian Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli Blue Suede Patchwork Printed Leather Jacket & Skirt, 1970's
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Located in Atlanta, GA
Roberto Cavalli is known for his unique and artistic textile designs which began early in his career with bohemian 'rich hippie' looks like this wonderful 1970's two piece suede leat...
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1970s Italian Roberto Cavalli

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Roberto Cavalli fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Roberto Cavalli fashion available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of blue, red, green and other tones. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Tom Ford for Gucci, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Bottega Veneta appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Roberto Cavalli fashion from top boutiques around the world. Roberto Cavalli fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $40 and tops out at $28,000, while the average work can sell for $1,079.
Questions About Roberto Cavalli
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Roberto 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, 2022
    Roberto 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, 2022
    A 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, 2022
    Roberto 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, 2022
    While 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, 2022
    Roberto 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 2, 2024
    Cavalli Class is the name of a diffusion line at Roberto Cavalli’s eponymous Italian luxury house. The collection includes apparel and accessories, and made its debut in 1997. The company's founder announced plans to move Cavalli Class from Dressing to another manufacturer in 2014. Now known as an outerwear line and called Class Cavalli, it has been distributed by licensing company Swinger International since 2015.

    In the early 1970s the Tuscan designer 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 Cavalli’s printed denim offerings were deemed unsophisticated by the day’s couturiers (they looked down upon the material), the designer’s form-fitting, sensual cuts, innovative patchwork and obvious dedication to impeccable craftsmanship found admirers in the likes of Sophia Loren and Brigitte Bardot.

    Find vintage Roberto Cavalli dresses and evening gownsshirts and skirts on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Roberto 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 24, 2024
    Roberto Cavalli was from Italy. He was born in Florence, Tuscany.

    Cavalli (1940–2024) was creative at the onset and focused on textiles while studying at the Florence Academy of Art. 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.

    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.

    Find vintage Roberto Cavalli dresses and gowns for sale on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 24, 2024
    Yes, Roberto Cavalli was a fashion designer known for dazzling animal prints and bold glamour.

    In the early 1970s Cavalli (1940–2024) 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.

    Find vintage Roberto Cavalli tiger-print dresses and other clothing and accessories for sale on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    No, Cavalli Class isn't exactly the same as Roberto Cavalli. The latter is the name of the Italian luxury fashion house that Roberto Cavalli founded in 1975. Under the Roberto Cavalli label, the house offers a collection of clothing, accessories, shoes and leather goods. In 1997, Cavalli Class debuted as a diffusion line, focusing mostly on apparel and accessories. The line was renamed Class Cavalli in 2015 and relaunched as an outerwear label. Explore a variety of Roberto Cavalli apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.

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