The Resurgence of Cavalli: A Forgotten Icon Returns to the Spotlight

For years, Roberto Cavalli’s name evoked images of opulence, excess, and fearless sensuality. From the early 2000s, when his extravagant animal prints and sultry silhouettes were at their peak, to a quieter period in recent fashion history, the house of Cavalli has experienced cycles of admiration and neglect. However, today, a new wave of appreciation for his signature aesthetic has emerged, bringing the Italian designer’s legacy back into the limelight: just as the industry mourns his passing in April 2024 at the age of 83.

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg (left) and model Lydia Hearst (right) with Roberto Cavalli at the Just Cavalli flagship store launch party during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2008.
Photo credit: Getty Images via AFP / Rob Loud.

The Return of Cavalli Signature Animal Prints

Cavalli’s designs were always about excess in the most luxurious way possible. His collections, often inspired by nature’s raw beauty, featured wild prints tigers, zebras, leopards that became synonymous with his brand. Once considered a relic of the early 2000s, these patterns have roared back into fashion, embraced by both nostalgic millennials and a younger generation discovering his fearless aesthetic for the first time.

The resurgence of animal prints, and more broadly, maximalism, is evident on runways, red carpets, and in street style. Luxury fashion today, influenced by Gen Z’s eclectic tastes, thrives on statement pieces that command attention. Cavalli, with his bold prints and unapologetic glamour, fits right into this newfound appreciation for individuality and excess.

Gender-Fluid Fashion and the Cavalli Legacy

One of the most intriguing aspects of Cavalli’s revival is the way his designs have transcended traditional gender norms. In recent years, we’ve seen a shift in the way clothing is worn, with men confidently donning pieces originally designed for women. Cavalli’s ornate, body-hugging pants, often adorned with intricate embroidery or dazzling prints, have been embraced by male fashion enthusiasts and celebrities alike.

This movement towards gender-fluid fashion reflects Cavalli’s original spirit: a rejection of restraint in favor of bold self-expression. His clothes were never meant to be subtle, and today, more than ever, fashion is embracing the ethos that style should be about freedom rather than rigid categories.

A Brand Still Underrated by Modern Fashion Audiences

Despite this renewed interest, Roberto Cavalli as a brand remains somewhat underrecognized among younger fashion aficionados. While brands like Versace and Dolce & Gabbana continue to thrive in the popular imagination.

Photo: George De Sota/Liaison/Getty Images

Looking back, the early 2000s marked the golden era of the brand. From supermodels to pop icons, everyone wanted a Cavalli piece. Aaliyah, one of his most famous muses, cemented his legacy when she wore a now-iconic yellow-and-black zebra-print dress to the 2000 MTV VMAs, complete with feather detailing. The dress encapsulated everything Cavalli stood for excess, sex appeal, and an unshakable confidence.

The end of an era but a timeless legacy

Roberto Cavalli’s passing in April 2024 marked the end of an era for Italian fashion, but his influence remains as potent as ever. His maximalist approach, his celebration of animal prints, and his rejection of minimalism continue to shape today’s fashion landscape. As young designers look to the past for inspiration, Cavalli’s bold aesthetic is finding new life among those who understand that fashion should be an experience: loud, unapologetic, and entirely unforgettable.

While Cavalli himself may no longer be with us, his legacy roars on. In an industry that constantly recycles trends, his unique vision has proven to be truly timeless. The resurgence of his work is not just a nod to nostalgia: it’s a celebration of a designer who was always ahead of his time.

Written by Charles Passaga