Roberto Cavalli Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear

The Roberto Cavalli show, a celebration of the late designer's legacy, was always destined to be a party. Fausto Puglisi, the current creative director, ensured a fitting tribute by enlisting a star-studded cast of supermodels – Mariacarla Boscono, Alek Wek, Isabeli Fontana, Natasha Poly, Joan Smalls, Karen Elson, and Eva Herzigova – to showcase the iconic glamazonian dresses Cavalli was renowned for.

Puglisi, now three-and-a-half years into his tenure at Cavalli, has subtly transformed the brand. While still retaining its signature boldness, the brand has softened, reflecting Puglisi's quest for a more approachable Cavalli. Those seven show-stopping dresses, designed to capture headlines, embody the classic Cavalli va-va-voom. However, the collection that preceded them struck a different chord – beachy, relaxed, and effortlessly sexy.

Drawing inspiration from Puglisi's Sicilian hometown of Messina, the collection commenced with a series of white looks, reminiscent of the city's architecture. Rope detailing evoked the seaside location, creating pieces ideal for holidays. Skin-baring cutouts, short hemlines, and high slits, often crafted from pre-rumpled fabrics, offered a sense of effortless chic perfect for warmer climates. Puglisi incorporated neutrals, including a "fishing net" cover-up and faux snakeskin tailoring, designed for exploring the city's sights. He then introduced vibrant photo prints of electric sunsets and crashing waves, adorning slip dresses, pajama sets, and even a goddess dress with a built-in capelet.

The collection culminated in a trio of mermaid dresses, redefining the often-criticized red carpet silhouette. These dresses, stretchy and comfortable, offered a stark contrast to the stiff, restrictive special occasion dresses often seen on the red carpet. This emphasis on ease and comfort might be Puglisi's most significant contribution to Cavalli's signature sexy style – a modern approach that prioritizes wearability without sacrificing the brand's iconic glamour.