Roberto Cavalli cream silk tattoo-print evening dress, ss 2003
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: Small (EU)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU140217048072
Roberto Cavalli
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 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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Dolce & Gabbana pink floral printed silk dress, ss 1997By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in London, GBDolce & Gabbana pink floral printed silk dress with attached nude bra. Spring-Summer 1997Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Alexander McQueen python and silk organza mini dress, ss 2006By Alexander McQueenLocated in London, GB▪ Alexander McQueen python and silk organza mini dress ▪ Python bodice and flap skirt ▪ Accordion pleated silk organza mini skirt ▪ Built-in ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Christian Dior by John Galliano cream silk one-shoulder evening dress, ss 1998By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian DiorLocated in London, GB▪ Christian Dior cream silk brocade one-shoulder evening dress ▪ Designed by John Galliano ▪ Built-in corset ▪ Double layered ▪ Draped overskirt ▪ Beaded and silk thread tassels ...Category
1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vivienne Westwood pink floral printed maxi skirt and blouse ensemble, ss 2001By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GBVivienne Westwood pink floral printed ensemble. Maxi skirt and draped blouse with asymmetric cut. Spring-Summer 2001Category
Early 2000s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Roberto Cavalli beige printed silk jersey corseted mini dress, fw 2003By Roberto CavalliLocated in London, GB▪ Roberto Cavalli beige printed silk jersey mini dress ▪ Sold by One of a Kind Archive ▪ Fall-Winter 2003 ▪ Built-in corset, bra and bodysuit ▪ ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Dolce & Gabbana cream floral silk slip dress and wrap cardigan set, ss 1997By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in London, GB▪ Dolce & Gabbana slip dress and cardigan set ▪ Floral printed silk with cream base ▪ Mid-length slip dress ▪ Cone bra with adjustable shoulder straps ▪ Matching wrap cardigan wit...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vintage 1950's Neymar Couture Duchess Satin & Beaded Gown UK 4 US 0Located in Cheltenham, GBA once in a lifetime piece, this original 1950's Neymar Couture duchess satin gown, in the most sumptuous shade of cream, showcases true craftsmanship i...Category
1950s Ball Gowns
- Extremely Rare Mariano Fortuny Cotton DelphosBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis extraordinarily rare dress is made of finely pleated white cotton. Few cotton pleated Fortuny dresses have been documented and survived.
Named after a Greek clas...CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
- Late 60s vintage Maggy Rouff long trapeze dressBy Maggy RouffLocated in L'ESCALA, ESRare and beautiful vintage long dress from the late 60s early 70s by Maggy Rouff. Orange, white and green chevron patterns on a frog green backgroun...Category
1960s French Maxi Dress
- NWT ROBERTO CAVALLI Leopard Print GownBy Roberto CavalliLocated in Georgetown, MENew With Tags stunning ROBERTO CAVALLI Leopard Print Gown. Incredible. Designer: Roberto Cavalli Condition: New With Tags, Excellent Siz...Category
2010s Evening Dresses
- Gucci S/S 2005 vanilla silk plunging halter cutout cocktail dressBy Gucci, Tom Ford for GucciLocated in Milano, IT- Designed by Tom Ford - Sold by Skof.Archive - Plunging neckline - Cutout open back - Concealed zip closure at side - Spring Summer 2005 Size FR 36 - IT 40 - UK 8 - US 6 (EU) ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Gowns
- New W/ Tags Valentino Silk Dress Size 40By ValentinoLocated in Leesburg, VAValentino Bran New With Tags Size 40 100% Silk With Bell Sleeves and Tie at Neck Concealed Zip Closure at Back Bust: 35.25" Waist: 35.5" Hip: 41" Length: 34.75" Fabric: 100% Silk; L...Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Evening Dresses and Gowns
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
This Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen Ensemble Is Part Zsa Zsa Gabor, Part ‘Blade Runner’
As Burton steps away from the brand, it’s a fitting time to revisit one of her visionary designs.
Vivienne Westwood’s Punk Spirit Lives On in This ’90s Tartan Ensemble
The shorts suit in a mash-up of patterns with an asymmetrical cut speaks to the designer’s rebellious spirit.