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 — as well as those of the Italian designer's youth-aimed line, Just Cavalli — are unapologetically exuberant.
All of the seductive garments crafted at Cavalli have long been associated with extravagance and red-carpet sophistication, and the stories behind the luxury fashion house's offerings begin in Central Italy.
Roberto Cavalli (1940–2024) was born in Florence, Tuscany, 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 in 1998 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.
Those who have developed a renewed appreciation for 1990s fashion can find vintage Just Cavalli day dresses, jackets, gowns and more on 1stDibs.
Just Cavalli Red & Gold Silk Oriental Japanese Print Maxi Dress
By Just Cavalli
Located in Jersey City, NJ
A striking and sensual piece by Just Cavalli, this red and gold printed dress channels bold, exotic glamour with a distinctly early-2000s edge. The ...
2000s Roberto Just Cavalli Size 42 / 10 - 12 Tropical Colorful Belted Silk Dress
By Roberto Cavalli, Just Cavalli
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful JUST CAVALLI colorful tropical print sleeveless silk dress ! Features palm prints in vibrant colors of pink, fuchsia, purple, turquoise blue, peach and green throughout. Lo...
Gold jersey lamé cocktail mini dress Just Cavalli
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Gold jersey lamé cocktail mini dress with 2 button closure in the middle back. Main fabric: polyester Authenticity hologram SIZE M
White lace wedding dress with pleated ruffles JUST CAVALLI NEW with tag
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White lace wedding dress with pleated ruffles. Main fabric and lining fabric composition: 100% polyester. Bustier inside the dress with elastic top edge. Split on the front side, len...
Long printed rayon dress JUST CAVALLI New with tag
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Long printed rayon dress. Authenticity hologram. Split on the back, lenght = 70cm SIZE 40 (It) M
Long burgundy velvet dévoré evening dress JUST CAVALLI
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Long burgundy velvet dévoré evening dress. Main fabric composition: 65% polyester, 30% nylon, 5% stretch. 2nd fabric (Belt) 92% rayon, 8% stretch. Lining (silver shiny jersey) : 93% ...
Red see-through evening dress with gold plastic embellishment JUST CAVALLI New
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Red see-through evening dress with gold plastic embellishment around the neckline. Fabric composition: 63% rayon, 37% silk. Drawstring on the waist and bow closure on the middle fron...
Black guipure cocktail dress with sequin and beads all over Just Cavalli
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black guipure cocktail dress with sequin and beads all over with pleated cotton edge in the bottom. Zip in the middle back. SIZE 40 (IT)...
Roberto Cavalli 2000s Red Silk V-Neck Kaftan with Gold Studs, Size 38
By Roberto Cavalli, Just Cavalli
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
2000s Cavalli Red V neck cut velvet kaftan embellished in gold studs. Marked size 38it Fit size 2/4/6/8 - silk - rayon blend adjustable waist
Black cocktail dress with sequin and beads on a tulle base Just Cavalli
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black cocktail dress with sequin and beads on a tulle base. See-through on the sleeves. Zip on the left side. Authentification hologram.Fabric composition: silk. Lining: polyester. T...
Sequin cocktail dress JUST CAVALLI
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Grey and blue sequin cocktail dress. Main fabric and lining: polyester. sequin : PVC Zip closure on the middle back. New with tag and authenticity hologram. TINY DISCRET PULLS SIZ...
Roberto Cavalli Vintage F/W 2000’s Black Silk Dress
By Just Cavalli, Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
We are excited to present this 2000’s Just Cavalli Fall Winter black silk dress. Features metallic thread detail, adjustable and removable straps and midi length. In excellent vintag...
$197Sale Price|20% Off
JUST CAVALLI Size 2 Beige Brown Viscose Blend Marbled Long Sleeve Dress
By Just Cavalli
Located in San Francisco, CA
JUST CAVALLI dress comes in a beige & brown marbled viscose blend featuring a pleated style, v-neck, slit pockets, and a side zipper closure. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked:...
Salmon pink evening dress with three colors studs appliqué Just Cavalli NEW
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Salmon pink evening dress with three colors (gold, silver and copper) studs appliqué. Fabric composition: 92% rayon, 8% elastane Zip and hook&eye ...
Wrapped evening dress with rhinestone and beads embellishment Just Cavalli NEW
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black wrapped evening dress with rhinestone and beads embellishment. Main fabric composition: rayon. Polyester lining. Embellishement: rayon +beads+ lurex thread + rhinestone. Invi...
Black backless evening dress with printed edge Just Cavalli
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black striped backless evening dress with printed edge. Main fabric and lining : polyester Zip in the middle back. Authenticity Hologram tag. Total lenght in the middle front = 110 ...
Gold lycra jersey mini dress Just Cavalli Circa 2000
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Gold lycra jersey mini dress . No fabric composition tag or brand tag, only authenticity hologram with brand on it. 2 buttons and buttonholes closure behind the neck. Gathers aroun...
Vintage Boho Valentino Dress
By Valentino
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage boho Valentino dress is a stunning fusion of romantic elegance and free-spirited charm. Likely from the 1970s or early 1980s, it reflects Valentino’s masterful ability t...
Oscar de la Renta Gilt Floral Lace Mini
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
Oscar de la Renta Gilt Floral Reembroidered Lace Mini Baby Doll Dress from the 1960's. Designed as a mini with full sheer sleeves with a faux bolero edged in elaborate gold bullion and rhinestone trim with gilt hoops. Opens down front with hooks and snaps with built in tulle crinoline. Retailed by L.A. Schulman, White Plains...
1980s Diane Freis Silk Blue + Pink Flowers and Plaid Stripes Vintage 80s Dress
By Diane Freis
Located in San Diego, CA
Pretty vintage 80s DIANE FREIS light blue and pink flowers and plaid silk dress ! As a vintage collector, I have always appreciated Diane Freis, as I always know it is a Freis piece ...
Azzaro Paris 80's Gold Lamé Sunray Pleated Met Gala Evening Gown
By Loris Azzaro
Located in BELLEVUE HILL, NSW
A veritable museum piece, this 1988 Loris Azzaro gown was worn by supermodel Amber Valletta to the ‘Gilded Glamour’ themed 2022 Met Gala where she was f...
Dior by John Galliano 2006 beaded lace style gown
By Christian Dior
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
Long gowns like these barely make the resell market. Especially with a trail like this one. Perfect for a stand out look, and the lace detail isn’t actually lace, It’s completely mad...
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2003 Unworn Corset Lace Up Costellation Print Silk Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2003 Unworn Corset Lace Up Constellation Astrology Print Plunging Bustier Neckline Silk Asymmetric Dress Size S FOLLOW US ON INSTAGR...
2000S JOHN GALLIANO CHRISTIAN DIOR Olive Green Silk Chiffon One Shoulder Dress
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully made with an internal corset to keep the shape of the dress. Some damage due to young rich girls who's mother's taught them no sense of decorum. ...
New Chanel Spring 2010 CC Logo Monogram Silk Halter Open Back Wrap Dress
By Chanel
Located in Englishtown, NJ
New Chanel CC Logo Monogram Silk Halter Open Back Wrap Dress FR 34 Black and white Chanel silk halter wrap dress featuring Camellia and CC logo print throughout, open back and self ...
L'Wren Scott Bold Black White Geometric Pattern Halter Gown New!
By L'Wren Scott, Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A bold entrance making creation by fashion designer L'Wren Scott (1967-2014). Known for her impeccable taste and style as well as for long slenderizing silhouettes, femininity and im...
1990s Michael Casey Silk Ombre Botanical-Patterned Strapless Gown W/ Train
By Michael Casey
Located in Gresham, OR
A lovely 1990s Michael Casey silk ombre botanical-patterned silk chiffon strapless gown with ruching and gathering at bodice. Asymmetrical delicate bronze ...
John Galliano S/S 2005 Cherry Print Tie Up Silk Slip Mini Dress
By John Galliano
Located in Englishtown, NJ
John Galliano S/S 2005 Cherry Print Tie Up Silk Slip Mini Dress FR 40 Excellent Condition, main brand tag was removed.
LOUIS FERAUD c.1980's Black Asymmetrical Tiered Ruffle Cocktail Dress
By Louis Feraud
Located in Thiensville, WI
Vintage Louis Feraud c.1980's black asymmetrical tiered ruffle cocktail dress. Black satin asymmetrical ruffle four tier over skirt. Matte shift under skirt with right side seam slit...
Just Cavalli vintage python stamp white and red dress size 42it
By Just Cavalli
Located in Capri, IT
Just Cavalli vintage python stamp white and red dress size 42it
Just Cavalli 1990s Vintage Black Long Dress Size S by Roberto Cavalli
By Roberto Cavalli, Just Cavalli
Located in Capri, IT
1990s Just Cavalli black long dress Size S
Just Cavalli Early 2000s Silk Lamé Printed Slip Dress
By Just Cavalli
Located in Paris, FR
Silk lamé slip dress Just Cavalli featuring an ornate baroque-inspired print in gold and burgundy tones. The dress showcases a fitted bodice with thin adjustable straps and a flowing...
Just Cavalli Black Viscose Maxi Dress Sz.40
By Just Cavalli
Located in Krakow, PL
Step out in style with this stunning Roberto Cavalli Just Cavalli black maxi dress! This dress is perfect for making a statement at any event. Crafted from luxurious viscose, it off...
Gold lamé evening dress JUST CAVALLI
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Gold lamé evening dress. Fabric composition: 100% polyester. Wrapped on the front on the skirt. Adjustable shoulder strap. Elastic smocks on the waist. SIZE 40 (It) S/M
Black backless evening dress with cut-work JUST CAVALLI
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black backless evening dress with cut-work . The brand tag has been cut but it's branded on the zip puller. No fabric composition tag neither but probably satin and rayon. Zip closu...
Just Cavalli Silk Floral Dress, c. 2004
By Roberto Cavalli, Just Cavalli
Located in Marlborough, GB
Just Cavalli by Roberto Cavalli silk blue multicolour dress, circa 2004 Skinny straps which meet as a racerback Silk satin body with silk chiffon asymmetric hemline 93% silk 7% ela...
Just Cavalli Long Mermaid Dress
By Just Cavalli
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This Just Cavalli Long Mermaid Dress features an ultra-flattering fitted silhouette and shimmering sequin detail. Crafted with a mix of cotton and silk, this sleeveless dress feature...
Just Cavalli Long Mermaid Dress
By Just Cavalli
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This Just Cavalli Long Mermaid Dress features an ultra-flattering fitted silhouette and shimmering sequin detail. Crafted with a mix of cotton and silk, this sleeveless dress feature...
Animal printed pleated cocktail dress with scarf collar Just Cavalli
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Animal printed pleated cocktail dress. Fabric composition: 100% polyester. Authenticity hologram. Branded fabric. Sliding lace belt. Extra buttons provided. Buttons and buttonhole ...
Just Cavalli Grey & Multicolor Snakeskin Print Dress
By Just Cavalli
Located in New York, NY
Product Details: Grey and multicolor snakeskin print bodycon dress by Just Cavalli. Scoop neckline. Long sleeves. Designer size 44. 32" bust, 30" waist, 29" length, 15.5" shoulder wi...
Bustier cocktail dress with leopard print and lurex thread Just Cavalli
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Bustier cocktail dress with leopard print and lurex thread. Fabric composition: 54% rayon, 43% cotton, 3% other fiber. No lining. Authenticity hologram . Zip on the left side and bra...