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 F/W 1999 Leopard Print Silk Chiffon Blouse
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Paris, FR
Silk chiffon blouse Roberto Cavalli featuring an abstract leopard print in olive and taupe tones throughout the semi-sheer fabric. The garment showcases a deep V-neckline with cascad...
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2004 Silk Orchid Print Blouse
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Paris, FR
Silk blouse Roberto Cavalli featuring vibrant orchid print in coral, pink, and green tones on cream silk base. The garment showcases a classic button-front design with long sleeves a...
Roberto Cavalli Early 2000s Army Green Silk Chiffon Rhinestone Beaded Sheer Top
By Roberto Cavalli, Just Cavalli
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy early 2000s ROBERTO CAVALLI light army green silk chiffon beaded, sequined and rhinestone semi sheer blouse! Features flattering cold should...
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2001 Liz Eye Print Silk Blouse
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Paris, FR
Silk blouse Roberto Cavalli from the Spring/Summer 2001 collection featuring the designer's signature Liz Taylor eye print. Constructed from lightweight silk with a semi-sheer qualit...
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2003 Chinoiserie Floral Print Silk Jersey Top
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Paris, FR
Silk jersey top Roberto Cavalli featuring an ornate chinoiserie floral print in contrasting black and red colorways. The sleeveless design showcases cap sleeves and a fitted silhouet...
Roberto Cavalli Trompe L'Oeil Faux Fur Print Brown Beaded Jersey Tunic 90s Shirt
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in San Diego, CA
Awesome vintage late 1990s ROBERTO CAVALLI trompe l'oeil faux fur print brown and ivory tunic shirt! Features a warm brown and ivory print throughout. Soft stretch jersey offers a fl...
Roberto Cavalli Just Cavalli Black Satin & Leopard Print Top
By Roberto Cavalli, Just Cavalli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection is excited to offer a vintage Roberto Cavalli Just Cavalli black satin top that captures the label’s signature blend of sensuality and bold glamour. Crafted in smooth sa...
Roberto Cavalli S/S 1999 feathers print mesh sleeveless top
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Milano, IT
Roberto Cavalli S/S 1999 mesh top Brown feathers print Stretchy cotton blend Marked size M Measurements: bust 84-110 cm - 33-43 in waist 72-96 cm - 28-38 in hips 80-104 cm - 31.5-4...
S/S 2005 White “Lemon & Serpent” Ruched Cap Sleeve Top
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Atlanta, GA
A standout piece from Roberto Cavalli Spring/Summer 2005 Ready-to-Wear, this top encapsulates the designer’s signature fusion of sensuality, nature, and opulent detailing. Crafted fr...
Roberto Cavalli Tan Leopard Print Top With Gold Hardware 2005
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is thrilled to offer a vintage Roberto Cavalli tan leopard print top with gold hardware from 2005, featuring a deep low-cut ne...
$399Sale Price|33% Off
UNWORN Roberto Cavalli Animal Wild Cat Cheetah Print Silk Tunic Kaftan Belt 40
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Switzerland, CH
Dynamic prints are the calling card of Italian superbrand Roberto Cavalli and this loose silk-chiffon top is a fabulous way to work the look for summer. Pair this whisper-weight styl...
Y2K Roberto Cavalli Silk Purple Top
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Miami, FL
NWT Roberto Cavalli silk top in a gorgeous watercolor purple and abstract floral design. Lined with a delicate lace around the arms, collar and down through and around the bust and ...
2003 Roberto Cavalli Brown Astrology Corset Top Removable Sleeves
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning astrology print corseted top designed by Roberto Cavalli. This sought-after print features constellations and depicts some of the horoscope signs. The versatile...
2003 Roberto Cavalli Leather Gold Astrology Print Hook Closure Top
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a patchwork leather top by Roberto Cavalli made in 2003. This piece features an all-over astrological print in bronze and gold tones, highl...
$379Sale Price|36% Off
UNWORN Roberto Cavalli Animal Wild Cat Cheetah Floral Print Silk Tunic 42
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Switzerland, CH
Roberto Cavalli Main Line Finest silk printed with signature Cavalli cheetah theme Lace up bow tie in front Very versatile, can be worn as tunic blouse, cover up or micro dress Bow t...
New Roberto Cavalli Black Gold Print Stretch Blouse
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Roberto Cavalli Gold Print Blouse Designer size 38 ( oversized - please check measurements) Black with Gold Print, Long Sleeve, 100% Viscose, Toggle Button Closure. Measurements:...
Roberto Cavalli Spring/Summer 2003 Red Floral Silk Cheongsam Top
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Milano, IT
• Designed by Roberto Cavalli • Sold by Skof.Archive • Spring/Summer 2003 Collection • Vibrant silk cheongsam-inspired top featuring an intricate floral motif in red, black, blue, an...
Roberto Cavalli Just Cavalli White Leopard Print & Lace Camisole Top
By Roberto Cavalli, Just Cavalli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection is excited to offer a vintage Roberto Cavalli Just Cavalli white leopard print camisole top that exemplifies the house’s signature fusion of sensuality and sharp tailori...
Robert Cavalli Camicia Ruffle Top with Balloon Sleeves
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Avant Garde Just Cavalli Camicia Ruffle Top. Buttons up the front. Dramatic flared sleeves with cinched, elasticized cuffs. With ruffle detail at both shoulders. Psychedelic multicol...
2006 vintage Roberto Cavalli silk blouse
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
2006 vintage Roberto Cavalli silk blouse The condition is excellent. There may be clues on silk size 44 Italian Armpits: 50 cm / 19.69 in...
Roberto Cavalli Silk Top
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
A great silk top by Roberto Cavalli. The top is emerald green and black in colour with a frill neckline and short sleeves. It has a black silk tie belt.
Roberto Cavalli Animal Print Gathered & Buckle Detail Top
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
Roberto Cavalli Animal Print Gathered & Buckle Detail Top Black short sleeved top designed with brown tiger and snake prints. Featuring gathered waist with gold, decorative buckle ...
Roberto Cavalli patchwork-style top with lacing
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in New York, NY
Roberto Cavalli patchwork-style long-sleeved blouse Neckline with leather lacing and ruffles Size – M Length – 57 cm / 24,5'' Sleeve – 76 c...
Roberto Cavalli Top Blouse Intricate Ribbon Vivid Colors 44 / 10 fits 8
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a guaranteed authentic Roberto Cavalli lush floral and abstract print in black, blue, pinks, magenta, green and soft grey. 12 small round gold buttons. All logo e...
Roberto Cavalli silk blouse
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful printed blouse by Roberto Cavalli with Victorian sleeves Size – IT 40 Length – 65 cm Sleeve – 58 cm Waist – 86 cm Fabric – 100% silk Condition – very good ........Additi...
Roberto Cavalli sheer black floral appliqué blouse, 2000s
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful sheer blouse by Roberto Cavalli, embellished with floral appliqué Fastens with buttons, 3/4 sleeves There are no tags with the composition, it feels like tulle Period: 2000...
Roberto Cavalli Floral Crystal Mesh Halter Top, Spring/Summer 2000
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
Vibrant and unmistakably Y2K, this archival Roberto Cavalli halter top from Spring/Summer 2000 captures the designer’s iconic fusion of sensual silhouettes and bold exotic prints. C...
Roberto Cavalli longsleeve top
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in New York, NY
Roberto Cavalli longsleeve top with metal brooch on the chest Collection Spring 2005 Size – IT40 / S Fabric – 6% elastan, 94% viscose Condition – very good ........Additional i...
$286Sale Price|20% Off
ROBERTO CAVALLI Blue & White Paisley Blouse
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in San Francisco, CA
ROBERTO CAVALLI blouse comes in blue and white paisley print fabric featuring draped neckline.Good Pre-Owned Condition. Fabric Tag Removed and marks at bottom front and left side sea...
Roberto Cavalli Black Cotton Top, Size Medium
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: The top features crew neck line, short sleeves and gold tone RC logo.