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.
Roberto Cavalli Retro Vintage Snake Embellished Satin Strappy Sandals 36.5
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Roberto Cavalli Snake Embellished Satin Strappy Sandals 36.5 Color Multi Size 36.5EU Heel height 3.75in Canvas upper Leather sole Snake adornment with rhinestones Gold finished adj...
Vintage Roberto Cavalli Retro Snake Embellished Strappy Sandals 38
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Roberto Cavalli Snake Embellished Satin Strappy Sandals Color Multi Size 38EU Heel height 3.75in Canvas upper Leather sole Snake adornment with rhinestones and other stones Gold ...
Rare Roberto Cavalli "Limited Edition" Stenciled Black Pony-Skin High Boots
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in New York, NY
These To-Die-For Rare & "Limited Edition" Roberto Cavalli Stenciled black Pony-skin boots have superb hand-stenciled detailing. Heels are detailed with added support between the heel...
Vintage Roberto Cavalli Denim Floral Print Knee High Pointed Toe Boots 37.5
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Vintage Roberto Cavalli Denim Floral Print Knee High Pointed Toe Boots 37.5 Color Pink Multi Size 37.5EU Heel Height 3.75in Fabric upper Leather sole Leather lined Flower pattern p...
Cavalli suede pumps
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
ROBERTO CAVALLI (Made in Italy) Suede pumps. size 38. Condition: Very good condition Measurements: Heels: 16.3 cm (6.41") - Platform: 4.5 cm (1.77") SKU:CH378
NEW 2000s Roberto Cavalli Blue Abstract Leather Croc Cowgirl Boots 39
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These Roberto Cavalli boots from the early 2000s are crafted in leather with a blue abstract effect, contrasted with brown crocodile-embossed leather at the toe. The Western-inspired...
Roberto Cavalli, Glitter loafers
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Roberto Cavalli, Glitter loafers with leopard border. The item is in very good condition.
Lip Stick Red Satin Monolo Blahnik Kitten Heels
By Manolo Blahnik
Located in valatie, NY
Monolo Blahnik kitten heal pumps in a lipstick red satin with red ribbon trim and a red satin button. Size EU 39, US 8, 2.25"H heels. Has Monolo Blank label and bottom is marked ''Ma...
LOUIS VUITTON Red Satin Bow Exotic Peep Toe High Heel Sandals Lock Plate 39
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Switzerland, CH
A LOUIS VUITTON signature piece & timeless classic that will last you for years Beautiful peep toe sandal Printed satin bow detail Decorative LV L...
Alexander McQueen Black Velvet Embroidered Armadillo Curved Wedge Pumps Size 40
By Alexander McQueen
Located in New York, NY
Alexander McQueen Black Velvet Embroidered Armadillo Curved Wedge Pumps Size 40 Condition is new without original box.
2000's Prada Red Faux Croc and Wicker Wedge Slides
By Prada
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Mid 2000's fun and flirty shoes that remind you of a picnic. The brown woven wicker covered wedge heel is complemented by the bright red faux croc vamp. Wear to soles. Marked a IT 38...
Prada Satin Pointed-Toe Heels 85 IT36.5
By Prada
Located in Brossard, QC
Pointed toe Logo stamp at buffed leather footbed Suede and buffed leather lining Covered stiletto heel with rubber injection Logo plaque at patent leather sole Heel: H 3.25" Color: F...
$350
Size: 10 AAAA; true to size
Black Souliers Christian Dior Block Heel Pumps with High Vamp – US 10, 1960s
By Christian Dior
Located in Tucson, AZ
Vintage Dior reveals how much quality has suffered with the passage of time. As sturdy as tanks, these beauties will take you from board room to dining room and remain as comfortable as slippers thanks to their full support, solid heel and wide toe box. Leather pump with wide, square toe and chunky block heel; 1” elastic gusset at center vamp. Fully lined in persimmon leather; leather sole and upper. Heels recently re-tapped. material: leather noteworthy: clean and polish with leather conditioner repairs: none condition: very good with enough wear to insole to almost completely remove brand stamp, and sole wear consistent with 5-10 wearings. Original owner placed heel pads beneath insole and heel lining is beginning to lift. Light “pricks” on both vamps consistent with the use of decorative shoe clips and extremely gentle scuffs on toe box of right shoe. measurements: length: 10 ½” from toe to heel, measured along insole width: 3 1/16” measured across widest part of sole vamp height: 3 ¾” heel: 2 1/8” label: Souliers Christian Dior...
Prada clogs black leather, like new
By Prada
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Prada clog in black leather with logo on the front. Like new condition, complete with box Hard-textured sabot with intone studs. Size 38 small fit
Red Strappy high heel platform Shoes by Miu Miu
By Miu Miu
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Red Open Toe Stiletto Shoe by Miu Miu Soles will be set brand new for good and waterproof. Year 2006 The original box is not available. Miu Miu is the most unrestrained portrayal of...
Christian Dior Haute Couture Black Mesh Heels, F/W 2018 39 FR
By Christian Dior
Located in Paris, FR
From Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Fall/Winter 2018 Haute Couture collection for Christian Dior, these sculptural black pumps embody the house’s dialogue between tradition and innovation. Cr...
Miu Miu black patent leather heels
By Miu Miu
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Miu Miu black patent leather high heels shoes. Size heels 12 cm Rubber soles Please note that vintage items are not new and therefore ...
Chanel red nylon and patent leather sportive ankle boots.
Located in Carnate, IT
Chanel sportive ankle boots. In nylon and red patent leather details. Number 35 UK 4 US 5 Heel 3.5 cm Plateau 1.5 cm New, never used but have a small halo on the back of the right sh...
Chanel Interlocking CC Crumpled Patent Lambskin Red Platform Sandals 37
By Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel Interlocking CC Crumpled Patent Lambskin Red Platform Sandals 37 Color Red Size 37C EU Heel Height 4.75in Lambskin glossy leather upper Interlocking CC hardware logo Adjusta...
Roberto Cavalli Snakeskin Ivory Enamel Buckle Leopard Print Mules 36.5
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Roberto Cavalli Snakeskin Ivory Enamel Buckle Leopard Print Mules 36.5 Color Multi Size 36.5EU Heel height 3.75in Leather upper Leather sol...
Roberto Cavalli Pink Patchwork Floral Print Pointed Toe Heeled Boots 38
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Roberto Cavalli Patchwork Floral Print Zip Up Heeled Pointed Toe Boots Color Pink Multi Size 38EU Heel Height 4in Fabric upper Leather sole Flower and pattern print vamp and heel ...
Y2K Roberto Cavalli Jean Applique Boots
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Miami, FL
Highly coveted vintage Roberto Cavalli knee high boots in denim with floral denim appliques up the sides. Zip closure and lined in an animal print leather with a leather pull tab on ...
2003 Roberto Cavalli Rose Embroidered Black Leather Heeled Boots 37 IT
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous pair of black quilted Roberto Cavalli heeled boots. From 2003, these chic boots feature a quilted rose design, pointed toe, and boot jacks. Add these effortless...
S/S 2003 Roberto Cavalli New Unused Red Chinoiserie Asian Print Silk 5" Boots
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: Roberto Cavalli red Chinoiserie print high 5" heel boots. This pair is new, unused, and comes with the original box, branded tissue paper, and dust bag. An inst...
Roberto Cavalli Brown Suede Shoes
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Capri, IT
Roberto Cavalli Brown Suede Shoes embellished with studs totally made in italy in size 38,5
ROBERTO CAVALLI Size 10 Black Snake Leather Contrast Stitch Western Mules
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in San Francisco, CA
These fabulous ROBERTO CAVALLI cowgirl mules come in black sneak leather with a pointed toe, patent middle panel, contrast stitch western details, gold leather lining, and covered fl...
Roberto Cavalli Leopard Print Pony Hair Knee High Stilleto Boots - 40
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Roberto Cavalli Leopard Print Pony Hair Knee High Stilleto Boots - 40 These boots are in good condition with very noticeable wear on the heels and bottom of boot. They are pony ha...
Roberto Cavalli Laminate Grey Kidskin Leather Sandal Size 39(It)
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Fantastic masterpiece by Roberto Cavalli. Laminate grey high sandal made by kidskin leather. Decorative snake with stone in the center of the sandal. High heel 12 cm (4,7 inches) ...
ROBERTO CAVALLI satin heels with seashells and pearls
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Absolutely phenomenal coral satin heels with enameled seashells and pearl details from Robert Cavalli. Size 40.5 which best fit a size 10. Made in Italy...