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.
NWT 2004 Roberto Cavalli Pink Print Lace-Up Corset Bustier Top S
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From 2004, this new-with-tags Roberto Cavalli bustier top features a vibrant floral paisley print in pink and tan tones. The structured corset ...
John Galliano Bustier Corset Dress Pink
By John Galliano
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Galliano classic corset dress , flesh/pinkcolor with side zipper Size is france 40 but fits like 36 EU size-- with stretch Size marked 26/40 We offer more exclusive vintage items, v...
2004 Roberto Cavalli Pink Floral Quilted Silk Lace-Up Corset Bustier Top M
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a bright pink floral Roberto Cavalli corset. From 2004, this fabulous corset features a steel hook eye closure at the front and a lace-up closur...
Dolce & Gabbana Corset Dress, Size 40 (Italy) - Pink Lace
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
🔥 Dolce & Gabbana Corset Dress, Size 40 (Italy) - Pink Lace. Excellent Condition! Basic Description: Dolce & Gabbana (Italy). Corset dress in floral pink lace. An elegant, very fe...
Roberto Cavalli Spring/Summer 2003 Pink Silk Pheasant Print Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
A breathtaking silk slip-style dress from Roberto Cavalli’s Spring/Summer 2003 collection, crafted in a soft blush-pink tone and adorned with one of the season’s most recognisable pr...
Y2K Christian Dior by John Galliano Pink Lace Up Sleeveless Jersey Dress
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fashion History: Designed during John Galliano's celebrated tenure at Christian Dior, this dress reflects his signature fusion of historical references and contemporary street style. Drawing inspiration from Victorian corsetry, military uniforms, and early Y2K utility wear, Galliano combines corset-inspired lacing with industrial eyelets and cargo pockets for a look that balances romance with rebellion. The soft jersey fabrication and dusty rose hue soften the utilitarian details, embodying the body-conscious, deconstructed aesthetic that defined early 2000s fashion. Similar styles were embraced by icons such as Kate Moss, Christina Aguilera, and Sarah Jessica Parker. Design Details: Rendered in a soft dusty rose cotton jersey, this sleeveless midi dress features an intricate lace-up front panel framed by silver-tone metal grommets that create a corset-inspired effect. Adjustable side lacing cinches the waist to sculpt the silhouette, while functional cargo pockets at the hips introduce a utilitarian edge. The streamlined crew neckline and elongated silhouette balance the bold hardware details, creating a look that feels equally effortless and directional. How to Wear: This is definitely a ready-set-go dress. Any wise vintage shopper knows you need an easy jersey Galliano dress for summer travel. How can one piece be so versatile? You could easily wear this with flip-flops to work in the summer and then style it with vintage brown Frye boots...
Pink cotton & rayon boned bustier UNGARO SOLO DONNA New with tag
By Emanuel Ungaro
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pink cotton & rayon boned bustier; Zip on the left side. fabric composition: 58% cotton, 32% rayon. Lining: 83% acetate, 17% rayon SIZE 44 (It) 40 (Fr) 10 (Us) NEW WITH TAG
Ungaro Bustier Dress in Pink Tones
By Emanuel Ungaro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Ungaro - Pleated silk bustier dress in pink tones. It was designed with the flounced stole. No size nor composition label, it fits a 38FR. To be mentioned, a few stains on the stole....
$1,500
Size: USA 6 fits like a USA 4
MANDALAY Vintage Boned Corset Delicate Mini Dress Mauve Dusty Pink
By Mandalay
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Mandalay Vintage Dusty mauve nude pink Ethereal Hard boning all the way around Great for wedding/bridal Size USA 6 but fits like a 4 Excellent Condition so so so amazing final sale
Oscar de la Renta Resort 2014 Blush Pink Black Lace Sleeveless Cocktail Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
An elegant Oscar de la Renta Resort 2014 sleeveless cocktail dress showcasing the designer’s signature romantic sophistication. Constructed in a soft blush pink textile accented by ...
MOSCHINO cheap & chic Pastel Pink & Black Coquette Bustier - Corset Top
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
MOSCHINO cheap & chic Pastel Pink & Black Coquette Bustier - Corset Top Features - Black ruffled mesh frill detailing, Bow at the front, squared collar line, concealed zip up back an...
1999 Gianni Versace Couture Sparkly Pastel Pink Strapless Bustier Cocktail Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A superbly crafted Gianni Versace Couture dress from 1999. Designed from a pastel pink linen with a silver metallic lamé textured finish, the dress has a hand stitched pleated ruffle...
Chantal Thomass Y2k Pink & Black Trompe l’œil lace Corset Ribbon detail Bustier
By Chantal Thomass
Located in Sheffield, GB
Seductive 2000's Chantal Thomass corset with lace up detail on the front, trompe l'oeil lace print and fully adjustable shoulder straps ! Size;...
Versace Vintage 2000s Baby Pink Leather Shift Dress with Gold Medusa Charms
By Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Vintage 2000's Versace Jeans Couture shift dress in baby pink Leather by Donatella Versace, The Dress comes complete with Versace Medusa gold tone metal hardware and elegant, fine ...
2000’s ICEBERG Vintage Dusty Blush Pink Draped Y2K Mini Dress
Located in Sheffield, GB
A 2004 Vintage ICEBERG Dress, crafted in a blush, dusty pink Rayon fabric. Featuring twisted racer back shoulder straps, loose and draped upper body silh...
2017 MIU MIU Rhinestone Dagger Collar Seventies Dusty Pink Disco Mini Dress
By Miu Miu, Miuccia Prada
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Decadent Vintage MIU MIU Rhinestone mini Dress, FROM THE 2017 MIU MIU Club Capsule collection. The Dress is Lavishly decorated with gold glass and metal Rhinestones, large Mother o...
