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 Silver Framed Sunglasses
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in New York, NY
Roberto Cavalli polished silver hardware framed sunglasses measures 2 1/4" in height and 5 5/8" across the front. The sides are 5 1/2" in length, or, 15 1/2" from tip-end to tip-end.
Roberto Cavalli Bold Golden Brown Etched Lucite Curved Sunglasses
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in New York, NY
Roberto Cavalli wonderful bold golden brown lucite curved sunglasses are detailed with the signature name fully etched into the lucite in the arms' length. These glasses are als...
Roberto Cavalli sunglasses Casentino Collection
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CAVALLI - (Made in Italy) Rose-gold metal sunglasses, arms decorated with the house logo, and shaded pink glasses. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Width: 14.5 cm - Glass...
Early 2000s Christian Dior by John Galliano Pink Gold Rimless Shield Sunglasses
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These Christian Dior by John Galliano sunglasses from the early 2000s are a rimless shield silhouette in dusty pink with gold-tone hardware. The thin arms feature a pink enamel strip...
Bulgari Red leather Key Ring Bvlgari Silver
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
BVLGARI BVLGARI MAN PORTE-CLÉS BULGARI BULGARI Man key ring in teal red grained calfskin with two brass rings BULGARI BULGARI Man keyring in teal green top...
Chloé round oversized sunglasses in light tortoiseshell acetate with silver deta
By Chloé
Located in PARIS, FR
Chloé round oversized sunglasses in light tortoiseshell acetate with silver details on the temples. Front width 15 cm, lens dimensions approximately 5.3 x 5.3 cm. The sunglasses have...
Chanel Vintage Oversized Glasses
By Chanel
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Chanel Tortoiseshell Vintage Sunglasses Mark Chanel Model 5170 c. 501/3C Lens material PASTA With polarized lens Yes Other features With UV protection : Yes Gender : Female Descript...
$295Sale Price|40% Off
New Fendi Beige Rose Inlaid Sunglasses With Case
By Fendi
Located in Conroe, TX
Fendi Rose Sunglasses Brand New *Stunning Inlaid Rose Sunglasses * Beige Front & Interior * Inlaid Rose Detail on the Front & Sides * FF Details on Temples * Made in Italy *...
LOUIS VUITTON black MY MONOGRAM FRAME Sunglasses Z2153U
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Louis Vuitton My Monogram Fame rectangular sunglasses are crafted from sleek black acetate and feature striking yellow lenses. The design incorporates the iconic...
CHANEL black SEQUIN EMBELLISHED ROUND Sunglasses 5451
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel sunglasses in black acetate feature a chic round frame, beautifully adorned with grey sequins on both the front and arms. The frames are finished with the...
GUCCI Havane brown tortoise SQUARE Sunglasses GG0647S
By Gucci
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Gucci square sunglasses in Havana brown tortoise acetate exude timeless elegance with a modern twist. Featuring oversized brown lenses, they are accented with gol...
1980s Cartier Gold Tone Romance Santos Aviators
By Cartier
Located in Toronto, Ontario
These Cartier aviators are the ultimate pair of vintage sunglasses. Dating from the 1980s, these are the Romance Santos aviators. Gold frame and arms with Cartier screw details on the bridge and temples in a mix of silver and gold. A backwards 'C' logo also sits at the temples. Brown lenses. Markings on interior of arms and bridge. The screw details on this are very similar to the iconic Cartier Love collection. Excellent vintage condition, virtually no wear to lenses. Made in France. Originally mens glasses...
Guy Laroche pilot vintage sunglasses, made in France
By Guy Laroche
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Guy Laroche MODEL: 5121 - Burgundy MADE IN: France ERA: 1980s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 70 mm / 2 3/4 in Lens height: 44 mm / 1 3/4 in ...
CELINE pink brown transparent ROUND Sunglasses CL40186I
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Céline round sunglasses in transparent pink acetate, presenting an oversized, sculptural silhouette that showcases the frame's luminous, crystal-clear construction to ...
1990's Christian Roth Clear Owl Style Glasses
By CHRISTIAN ROTH
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Futurism meets retro glamour with these Christian Roth NYC clear resin statement glasses. Oversized oval owl style silhouette frame. Gold-tone core wiring for an elegant finish. The ...
Roberto Cavalli Rhinestone Snake Motif Oversized Shield Sunglasses circa Y2K
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These Roberto Cavalli Rhinestone Snake Motif Oversized Shield Sunglasses circa Y2K are a bold and glamorous statement piece that perfectly encapsulates the vibrant energy of the early 2000s. The oversized shield frames feature a rich brown tint, providing a striking contrast to the intricate side details. The sides showcase a rose gold-tone snake design, expertly adorned with sparkling rhinestones that add a touch of luxe opulence. The snake motif, a signature of Cavalli’s exotic aesthetic, wraps around the temples, elevating the sunglasses from mere accessories to statement jewelry. These sunglasses are versatile enough to be styled with various designer items, such as a pair of Ed Hardy graphic tees, Juicy Couture velour tracksuits, or a Louis Vuitton monogram bag for a maximalist approach. Alternatively, they can complement a Balenciaga oversized blazer or a Fendi fur coat...
ROBERTO CAVALLI Mekbuda Black Rose Gold Acetate Metal Sunglasses
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in San Francisco, CA
ROBERTO CAVALLI sunglasses in a black acetate featuring a cat eye style, and rose gold tone metal temple accents with rhinestones. Made in Italy.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Mar...
S/S 2001 Roberto Cavalli Ad Blue Shield Silk Scarf Wrap Sunglasses
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the Spring/Summer 2001 collection, similar sunnies to these light blue Roberto Cavalli shield sunglasses were highlighted in the season’s ad campaign. These unique sunglasses fe...
Roberto Cavalli Mint Unisex Sunglasses Shield RC1120 16A 90/15 140 mm
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Rome, Rome
Roberto Cavalli Sunglasses, mod. RC1120 16 A. Wrap rimless frame with grey acetate ear stems. One piece Grey lens. Made in Italy. 90-15 143 mm Details MATERIAL: Metal COLOR: Grey MOD...
Roberto Cavalli Women's Aviator Bronze Metal Sunglasses
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Amman, JO
Roberto Cavalli Women's Aviator Bronze Metal Sunglasses , Featuring tinted gradient brown lenses, bronze frame and straight arms with angled tips. Hardware: Metal Lens: Brown Lens W...
Roberto Cavalli Tortoise Shell Snake Embellished Sunglasses
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
Roberto Cavalli Tortoise Shell Snake Embellished Sunglasses Brown toned acetate sunglasses with gold metal 3D snakes to either side of the arms. Size - One Size Condition - Very...
Roberto Cavalli Brown animal print Round Sunglasses
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Amman, JO
Roberto Cavalli Brown animal print Round Sunglasses with an animal print head temples. Hardware: Acetate Lens: Brown Size: 130*3 Overall Condition: Very Good, Light finger print lik...
Roberto Cavalli brown mask sunglasses
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Capri, IT
Roberto Cavalli brown mask sunglasses
Roberto Cavalli Havana Brown Hamal Sunglasses WIth Goldtone Snake Sides
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in New York, NY
Roberto Cavalli Havana Brown Hamal Sunglasses WIth Goldtone Snake Sides Made In: Italy Color: Havana brown Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Acetate and meta...
Roberto Cavalli Blue Lens Sunglasses
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in New York, NY
Product details: Blue lens sunglasses by Roberto Cavalli. Textured top bar. Cushioned nose pads. Gradient lenses. Temple logo detail. Silvertone hardwa...
ROBERTO CAVALLI Sunglasses Black Acetate Rhinestone Arm MERAK - Spring
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in San Francisco, CA
ROBERTO CAVALLI wayfarer sunglasses come in black glossy acetate with rhinestone detailed metal panel arms. Made in Italy. Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: Merak 904S 01B 55 17 13...
Roberto Cavalli Frameless Sunglasses
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
These Roberto Cavalli sunglasses are frameless with beige / pink lenses. The legs are a copper / rose gold color. These sunglasses are in good condi...