THE ROBERTO CAVALLI BRAND IS EXPERIENCING A POWERFUL REBIRTH. WHAT DOES THIS NEW CHAPTER REPRESENT FOR YOU, CREATIVELY AND EMOTIONALLY?
I have an enormous respect for Roberto Cavalli. I was a huge fan of his work in the early 2000s, when I was younger and he was at the height of his career, celebrated for his glamour, beauty, and of course, a very specific vision of success and sexiness.
Designing today, however, is a completely different challenge. Fashion has changed, and so have the women who wear it. I’m thrilled to be connecting with a new generation of customers, many of whom were children when Cavalli was dominating pop culture. There’s a revival of early 2000s energy—think Paris Hilton, Christina Aguilera, J.Lo, Beyoncé during her Destiny’s Child days. That era was iconic.
Now, my mission is to honor that legacy while making it relevant. I’m designing for women who are sexy and elegant. Roberto Cavalli was often described as a “sexy brand”, I like to say it’s now a sexy, elegant brand. Women today are powerful, discerning, and multidimensional. They want to feel seductive, but also refined. That duality is what excites me the most.
ESPECIALLY IN THIS REGION, WOMEN ARE EMBRACING BOTH TRADITION AND MODERNITY IN HOW THEY EXPRESS THEMSELVES, HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO BALANCE BETWEEN BOTH?
I find the women here incredibly inspiring. They’re sophisticated and passionate about fashion—not to show off, but because they genuinely appreciate beauty and quality. That authenticity resonates with me. It’s why I’m so committed to craftsmanship and refinement at Cavalli.
TELL US ABOUT THE VISION BEHIND THE NEW ROBERTO CAVALLI BOUTIQUE IN THE REGION. HOW DOES THE SPACE REFLECT THE BRAND’S BOLD IDENTITY TODAY?
I’m incredibly excited about the new boutique. Every time I visit Dubai, I walk through the Dubai Mall and feel this surge of energy. Working with a strong partner like Timeless is also a pleasure, they truly understand fashion and represent the brand with seriousness and respect.
This boutique, in particular, is special to me. I feel a deep sense of gratitude toward the Al Tayer and Al Shaya families, and I see this space as a homecoming of sorts. I personally oversaw the design, ensuring it reflected the brand’s essence: glamour, elegance, and a touch of daring.
We created exclusive pieces, like embellished kaftans and reinterpretations of the abaya, that celebrate both tradition and the future. That’s what Dubai represents to me, respect for heritage, paired with an unrelenting gaze toward what’s next.
DUBAI IS KNOWN FOR ITS VIBRANCY, LUXURY, AND BOLD EXPRESSION. HOW HAS THE CITY INSPIRED YOUR CREATIVE DIRECTION AT CAVALLI?
Dubai is a treasure trove of inspiration. There’s such a deep appreciation for beauty and detail, from the way women dress, to the incredible culture around fragrance and personal style. The elegance here is not performative, it’s innate.
I’m also fascinated by how traditional pieces like abayas and hijabs are worn in a fashion-forward way. That blend of classicism with modernity is incredibly meaningful to me as a designer.
And of course, Dubai is an international crossroads. At our last fashion show here, I met people from China, India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Europe, and the U.S. The region feels young, dynamic, and future-focused, but always rooted in tradition. That duality is a designer’s dream.
IT MUST BE CHALLENGING TO CATER TO SUCH A WIDE RANGE OF CULTURES, GEN Z, ARAB TASTES, CHINESE SENSIBILITIES… HOW DO YOU SUCCEED IN SATISFYING ALL TASTES AND AGES?
It’s certainly a challenge, but an exciting one. From a creative perspective, it’s a gift. I was recently in Riyadh for a WWD panel and was stunned by how women there blend couture, bold makeup, and fine jewelry. It’s not about blindly following trends, it’s about a true cult of beauty. That, to me, is the ultimate form of personal expression.
BEYOND THE CREATIVE, WHAT’S YOUR APPROACH TO MAKING ROBERTO CAVALLI A STRONG BUSINESS ONCE AGAIN IN TODAY’S COMPETITIVE LUXURY LANDSCAPE?
We’re seeing incredible growth, not just in brand visibility but also in sales. What excites me is that we’re bringing back Cavalli’s original clientele and attracting their daughters and sons. That generational continuity is so rare.
With celebrities, for example, it’s amazing to still dress icons like Madonna, J.Lo, and Beyoncé, while also working with stars of the younger generation, Taylor Swift, FKA Twigs, Doja Cat. Cavalli now lives on both red carpets and in everyday wardrobes.
We’re selling couture-level gowns, yes, but also printed denim, silk shirts, and accessible pieces. That kind of diversity in the product range is vital today. Fashion is about identity, and identity isn’t one-dimensional.
FINALLY, WITH THE REGION FAST BECOMING A GLOBAL FASHION HUB, HOW IMPORTANT IS THE MIDDLE EAST TO ROBERTO CAVALLI’S INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY?
The Middle East has always been a key region for Cavalli, even during Roberto’s time. As Italians, we share a love for decoration, beauty, and heritage with the Arab world. It’s a natural dialogue.
Whether I’m in Dubai or Riyadh, I feel creatively invigorated. There’s something powerful happening here, a new fashion language is being written. And we want to be part of that story.
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