Roberto Cavalli Fall/Winter 2022 Womenswear Fashion Show

Last year, Roberto Cavalli presented a stunning runway show that left fashion enthusiasts in awe. A quick search of “Zendaya + Roberto Cavalli” on Google returns over 500,000 results, and it’s no wonder why. In November of that year, the young superstar had worn a vintage Cavalli dress from 2000, which featured a gold snakelike spinal cord structure on an otherwise bare back, for a red carpet appearance in Paris. It was a show-stopping moment that perfectly captured the essence of Cavalli’s vision. AND CAN WE JUST TAKE A MOMENT TO APRRECIATE THE ABOSOLUTELY BOMB SOUNDTRACK OF THE WHOLE SHOW! Hands down one of my all time favorite fashion show soundtracks.

At the helm of the label was designer Fausto Puglisi, who had no trouble attracting celebrities to his revived version of Cavalli, as evidenced by Jennifer Lopez’s Marry Me press tour. The Zendaya dress was a testament to the collection’s focus on rendering its wearer drop-dead sexy without compromising on sophistication. At times, it’s a complicated task to get sexy right, but Puglisi managed to do it with elegance and ease.

Puglisi drew inspiration from Maria Sophie, the last queen of Naples, and the historian-turned-novelist of feminine empowerment Lisa Hilton, as well as his own minimalist eye for sharp cuts. The most surprising aspect of his Cavalli remodel was the label’s foray into plaid, a design never before seen on the runway. The tailored pieces featuring plaids were a stunning departure from the label’s previous aesthetics.

Puglisi’s success in getting sexy right was evident in the collection’s fetish aspect, particularly in the cage dresses that made the Cavalli women look comfortably in control. Lingerie dressing was a prominent theme in Milan Fashion Week, and Puglisi’s take on it was exceptional. The update to the Zendaya dress was particularly noteworthy, as it transferred the game of conceal/reveal to the front of the torso. It won’t be long before another young star makes a red carpet hit out of Puglisi’s vision.

Overall, Roberto Cavalli’s runway show was a masterclass in blending sophistication and sensuality. Puglisi’s vision was a testament to his talent as a designer, and it was a pleasure to see his take on the iconic fashion house.