Roberto Cavalli snakeskin and silk evening dress, ss 1999
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: Small (EU)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU140210880432
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 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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Alaia Spring-Summer 1986 magenta acetate knit bodycon dressBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in London, GBAlaia Spring-Summer 1986 magenta acetate knit bodycon dressCategory
1980s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Tom Ford for Gucci Spring-Summer 2000 beaded python print shift dressBy Tom FordLocated in London, GBTom Ford for Gucci Spring-Summer 2000 beaded python print shift dressCategory
1990s Italian Shift Cocktail Dresses
- John Galliano rose pink silk brocade evening dress with fringed scarf, ss 1998By John GallianoLocated in London, GBJohn Galliano rose pink silk brocade evening dress with attached fringed scarf and low back Spring-Summer 1998Category
1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- John Galliano snakeskin print mid length dress, ss 2000By John GallianoLocated in London, GBJohn Galliano snakeskin print mid length dress Spring-Summer 2000Category
Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Alexander McQueen pink python bias cut evening dress, ss 2008By Alexander McQueenLocated in London, GBAlexander McQueen pink python bias cut evening dress with padded shoulders, cap sleeves and silk lining Spring-Summer 2008Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Paul Daunay gold lamé jacquard couture evening ensemble, c. 1960By Paul DaunayLocated in London, GBPaul Daunay gold lamé jacquard couture evening ensemble comprising: long-line waistcoat lined with purple silk and high rise a-line skirt with inverted pleats and two side pockets. ...Category
1960s French Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- Mariano Fortuny Sienna Peplos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated sienna colored silk with silk cording along side seams,shoulders and tunic hem with multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording.
...CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Peplos
- Mariano Fortuny Rare Shell Pink Long Sleeved Delphos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYDescription: This dress is made of finely pleated shell pink colored silk with silk cording along side seams, and multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording.
CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
Mariano Fortuny Claret Delphos. Provenance Tina ChowBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated claret colored silk with silk cording along side seams, and multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording. The beads are amber glass with...CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
Vintage 1930's Gold Silk Lamé & Beadwork Gown UK 10 US 6Located in Cheltenham, GBThis truly magnificent 1930's gold silk lamé dress, embellished with trailing gunmetal grey and silver beadwork, is a phenomenal piece to add to your e...Category1930s Evening Gowns
Chanel Chiffon Full Length Abstract Print Runway Dress 06P 2006By ChanelLocated in Merced, CAChanel full length dress from Chanel Spring 2006 collection. It is adorned with Chanel interlocking CC logo buttons and abstract print throughout an...Category20th Century French Summer Dresses
Jean Paul Gaultier S1999 Graffiti Goddess Venus Nude Trompe L'oeil Runway DressBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in PARIS, FRJean Paul Gaultier S1999 RTW “Graffiti Goddess” Sculpture Runway Venus Trompe L'oeil Graffiti Optical Illusion Maxi Dress A holy grail of Gaultier, the famous “Graffiti Goddess” dress...Category1990s European Evening Dresses
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.