On a warm Thursday in Milan, the fashion world paused to honor the life and legacy of Roberto Cavalli, the iconic Italian designer who passed away earlier this year at the age of 83. The house’s creative director, Fausto Puglisi, led the charge in this poignant tribute, debuting the first collection since Cavalli’s passing at the Spring/Summer 2025 show. The event was not just a showcase of the house’s signature style but a powerful homage to the man who revolutionized fashion with his daring prints, seductive silhouettes, and fearless spirit.
The show opened with a striking departure from Cavalli’s renowned flamboyance—Puglisi presented a series of all-white looks, signaling a fresh chapter while paying respect to Cavalli’s legacy. These clean, minimalist designs gradually evolved into a celebration of Mediterranean hues, as fishing nets transformed into skirts and vibrant prints of sunsets over deep blue waters adorned dresses. Inspired by his hometown of Messina, Puglisi infused the collection with a softer, modern sensuality, tempering the boldness of Cavalli’s famous designs without losing their allure.
Yet, it was the heart-thumping finale that made the strongest impact. Seven of Cavalli’s most iconic supermodel muses—Eva Herzigova, Joan Smalls, Isabeli Fontana, Natasha Poly, Mariacarla Boscono, Karen Elson, and Alek Wek—walked the runway in archival gowns from the 2000s, evoking memories of Cavalli’s golden era. These glamazonian beauties, draped in slinky silhouettes and animal prints, echoed the designer’s unmistakable aesthetic. It was a visual celebration of Cavalli’s daring approach to fashion—a testament to his print mastery and sensual designs that redefined the early 2000s.
Puglisi’s tribute wasn’t just about nostalgia. It marked his distinct arrival, blending his own creative vision with Cavalli’s legacy. While Cavalli’s designs were often synonymous with high-octane glamour, Puglisi offered a more restrained, yet equally captivating interpretation—still sexy, but free of constraint.
As the models made their final walk, the spirit of Roberto Cavalli filled the room. In a touching moment, the supermodels escorted Cavalli’s widow, Eva, down the runway, closing the show with a powerful reminder of the personal legacy Cavalli left behind. Celebrities and friends of the house, including Naomi Campbell and Normani, looked on from the front row, offering their own tributes to the late designer.
Puglisi, who has been with the house since 2020, reflected on the immense responsibility of carrying Cavalli’s vision forward. In a heartfelt Instagram post following Cavalli’s death in April, Puglisi wrote, “Dear Roberto, you may not be physically here with us anymore but I know I will feel your spirit with me always. It is the greatest honor of my career to work under your legacy and to create for the brand you founded with such vision and style. Rest in peace—you will be missed and you are loved by so many.”
Indeed, Cavalli’s influence will continue to inspire the fashion world for generations. His designs, which once dominated red carpets and pop culture, remain timeless symbols of daring elegance and unapologetic glamour. As Fausto Puglisi takes the reins, it’s clear that the house of Roberto Cavalli will continue to evolve, but the spirit of its founder will forever remain at its core.
