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 — as well as those of the Italian designer's youth-aimed line, Just Cavalli — are unapologetically exuberant.
All of the seductive garments crafted at Cavalli have long been associated with extravagance and red-carpet sophistication, and the stories behind the luxury fashion house's offerings begin in Central Italy.
Roberto Cavalli (1940–2024) was born in Florence, Tuscany, 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 in 1998 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.
Those who have developed a renewed appreciation for 1990s fashion can find vintage Just Cavalli day dresses, jackets, gowns and more on 1stDibs.
2000s Roberto Cavalli Butterfly appliqué long sleeved black mini Dress
By Just Cavalli, Roberto Cavalli
Located in Sheffield, GB
2000s Roberto Cavalli Butterfly appliqué long sleeved black mini Dress A Y2K Roberto Cavalli Mini Dress crafted in a black stretchy cotton w...
Roberto Cavalli 2013 Floral Wrap Around Ruffle Mini Dress size 42
By Just Cavalli
Located in London, GB
Roberto Cavalli Class line wrap style mini dress with lots of personality. Floral pattern with Zebra print and Cavalli signatures. Waist belt with long, tasselled sash. Ruffled he...
Printed and draped jersey sleeveless dress Just Cavalli
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed and draped jersey sleeveless dress. The fabric composition tag has been cut but it's probably rayon jersey. Cut-work. SIZE 40 (It) 36 (Fr) 6 (US) S
Backless rayon dress with macrame and cord print Just Cavalli
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Backless rayon dress with macrame and cord print. Fabric composition: 100% rayon. Bow on the bust. Authenticity hologram. Cut-work and zig-zag top-stitched. SIZE 42 (It)
Printed cocktail dress Just Cavalli
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed cocktail dress. Fabric composition: 97% polyester, 3% elasthane. Underwired bra. Invisible zip closure on the middle back with branded zip puller. Cut-work and top-stitched ...
Black&white printed jersey dress Just CAVALLI
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black&white printed jersey dress.Branded fabric . Fabric composition: 90% rayon, 10% stretch. Wrap top. NO BRAND tag but authenticity hologram. SIZE M
Printed jersey backless dress Just Cavalli
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed jersey backless dress . Fabric composition: 90% rayon, 10% elastane. Metal ring on the middle back. Cut-work. Drape on the bust. SIZE 42 (It) ...
Asymmetrical printed and draped jersey cocktail dress JUST CAVALLI
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Asymmetrical printed and draped jersey cocktail dress. Jersey composition: 90% rayon, 10% stretch. Authenticity hologram. SIZE 42 (It) 38 (Fr) M
Black draped tulle and printed cotton cocktail dress Just Cavalli
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black draped tulle and printed cotton cocktail dress. Main fabric ( printed) 98% cotton, 2% stretch. Tulle composition: 100% nylon. Underwired bra. Zip closure on the middle back wi...
Just cavalli, strapless corset satin dress
By Just Cavalli
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Just cavalli, strapless corset satin dress. The item is in good condition. Small pull in the fabric.
Flower printed silk chiffon cocktail dress with ruffles Just Cavalli
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Flower printed silk chiffon cocktail dress with ruffles. Authenticity hologram. Branded buttons and buttonhole in the middle front. Fabric belt. Black slip dress lining. SIZE 42(It) ...
Mix print and branded rayon cocktail dress Just Cavalli
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Mix print rayon cocktail dress with black velvet ribbon around the neck. Fabric composition: 92% rayon, 8% elastane. Authenticity hologram. Branded fabric. SIZE 46 (It) 42 (Fr) 12 (...
Black draped jersey cocktail dress with deep V neckline Just Cavalli
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black draped jersey cocktail dress with deep V neckline and a branded metalic sort of buckle on the middle front. Fabric composition: 80% rayon, 15% wool, 5% elastane. Elastic band...
Sleeveless abstract printed cocktail dress Just Cavalli
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Sleeveless abstract printed cocktail dress. Fabric tag composition: 96% polyester, 4% elasthane. No lining. Zip in the middle back and hook&eye. Authenticity hologram size 42 (It) ...
Jersey printed dress with pink bottom edge and short sleeves JUST CAVALLI
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Branded Jersey printed dress with pink bottom edge and short sleeves. Fabric composition: 90% rayon, 10% elastane. Lining inside the bust. Authenticity hologram. SIZE M
Kaki cocktail dress with ruffles Just Cavalli
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Kaki cocktail dress with ruffles. Zip on the left side. Bow string in the middle front with black tread pompom end. Fabric composition: rayon Auth...
Printed jersey cocktail dress Just Cavalli
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed branded jersey cocktail dress with zip in the middle back and hook&eye. Fabric composition: 87% rayon, 13% elastane. Authenticity hologram. Branded zip puller. SIZE M
Printed jersey dress Just Cavalli
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed jersey dress. Fabric composition: 92% rayon, 8% spandex Authenticity hologram SIZE M
Multicolor abstract printed jersey dress with black back Just Cavalli
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Multicolor abstract printed jersey dress with black back Size 42 (It) 38 (FR) M
Printed see-through silk dress with laces and eyelet JUST CAVALLI
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed see-through silk dress with laces and eyelet. Adjustable drawstring waist. Split on both side, lenght= 60cm Authenticity hologram ( see picture) SIZE 38 on tag but fit M/L ...
Just Cavalli Tie-Dye Dress - '00s
By Just Cavalli
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Expertly crafted by Just Cavalli, this tie-dye swirl dress exudes sophistication. The short, asymmetric sleeve design is both sleek and comfortable, while the cowl neck adds a touch ...
Luca Luca 1990s Terra Cotta Tan Sz 8 / 10 Virgin Wool Italian Vintage 90s Dress
By LUCA LUCA
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic and classic never worn 1990s LUCA LUCA terra-cotta virgin wool sleeveless sheath dress! The perfect alternative to the little black dress, this gem off...
Chloé Spring/Summer 2022 Leather Patchwork Silk Maxi Dress FR36
By Chloé
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
From the Spring/Summer 2022 collection of Chloé, this remarkable dress exemplifies the maison’s commitment to artisanal craftsmanship under creative director Gabriela Hearst. The sle...
Jean Paul Gaultier Victorian Style Sheer Organdy Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier Victorian Style Sheer Organdy Dress
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN green silk PLATOS ATLANTIS PRAYING MANTIS GOWN Dress L
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Zürich, CH
Alexander McQueen 'Praying Mantis' empire down in green silk (100%) with a round neck and is sleeveless. This collector piece is from the SS 2010 Platos Atlantis collection. Flares f...
1920's Filet Lace and Chiffon Dress
Located in New York, NY
Charming Cotton Filet Lace and Chiffon Dress from the 1920's. Pin tucked silk chiffon is inserted with cotton filet lace panels and attached to a lace skirt...
Alexander McQueen New Silk Dress with Ruffle Hem 'NO. 13' S/S 1999
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk dress from an early collection of Alexander McQueen. It skims the body has a scoop neckline and 3 rows of ruffles beginning at knee level in the front and 8 sta...
Vintage Yohji Yamamoto Red Plaid Jumper Dress 2003
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Yohji Yamamoto red and black wool plaid knee-length jumper dress with adjustable straps. Collection 2003. Excellent Vintage Condition. Size Small
1990's AZZEDINE ALAIA chartreuse chenille dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Vivid, chartreuse green chenille dress with flared skirt from Azzedine Alaia dating to the late 1990's. No size indicated however this will best fit a S or M. Approximate measurement...
Printed silk jersey slip dress EMILIO PUCCI
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed silk jersey slip dress. Invisible zip and hook&eye closure on the left side. SIZE 38 (Fr) M
Gianni Versace Backless Silk Dress with Leather Trim
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous full length black silk gown from Gianni Versace Couture. It has a front scoop neck, a deep cut out back and fabulous tan leather shoulders. It is semi fitted though the ...
Issey Miyake Skirt with Straps
By Issey Miyake
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black cotton blend skirt from Issey Miyake. The straight skirt has functional, adjustable straps and metal rings along each side. It is lined, has a front zipper with 2 me...
Dolce & Gabbana Strapless Silk Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning fine silk leopard print bustier dress from Dolce and Gabbana. Ruching emanating from the center front creates a flattering cinched waist, in contrast the back is unadorned...
Just Cavalli brown halter dress with open back - 2000s
By Just Cavalli
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Original Just Cavalli dress from the early 2000s, an iconic example of the sensual and sculptural aesthetic that made the brand famous during that period. Made of chocolate brown str...
Just Cavalli Y2K Multicolor Floral Print Sleeveless Dress
By Just Cavalli, Roberto Cavalli
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Step into a vibrant world of fashion with the Just Cavalli Y2K Multicolor Floral Print Sleeveless Dress, a stunning reflection of the eclectic style of the early 2000s. This captivat...
Rayon jersey cocktail dress wrapped and draped Just Cavalli
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Rayon jersey cocktail dress wrapped and draped. Fabric composition: 90% rayon, 10% elastane. Topstitched details on the left side of the hips ( it's look like discoloration on this p...
Purple draped and wrapped sleeveless cocktail dress Just Cavalli
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Purple draped and wrapped sleeveless cocktail dress with 2 branded decorative button on the top right. SIZE 40 (It) 36 (Fr) 6 (US) S
2000s Just Cavalli Snake Print Dress
By Just Cavalli
Located in London, GB
Just Cavalli Python print summer dress Brown and white print, knee length, stretchy that can fit both S and M sizes Condition: vintage, very good cond...
Leopard printed jersey dress Just Cavalli
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Leopard printed jersey dress. Authentification hologram. Fabric composition: 93% cotton, 7% elasthane. Branded fabric. Cut-work on the skirt. SIZE ...
2000S JUST CAVALLI Black Jersey Ruched Ruffle Front Slinky Cocktail Dress Sz 42
By Just Cavalli
Located in New York, NY
2000S JUST CAVALLI Black Jersey Ruched Ruffle Front Slinky Cocktail Dress Sz 42
Asian printed silk dress Just Cavalli By Roberto Cavalli
By Just Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Asian printed silk dress draped on the bust . Autenticity hologram. R Cavalli's signature printed on fabric
Grey bustier dress with gold lurex stitching Just Cavalli
By Just Cavalli, Roberto Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Grey bustier dress with gold lurex stitching
Sold
Size: 38 US 2 / 4
Roberto Cavalli 2000s Size 38 / 2 Snakeskin Animal Print Silk Brown Flirty Dress
By Just Cavalli, Roberto Cavalli
Located in San Diego, CA
Flirty early 2000s ROBERTO CAVALLI brown and ivory snakeskin python animal print silk dress! Racerback straps with lucite and brass ring connecting the straps on the back. Fitted bod...
Sold
Size: Small - Small Medium
Roberto Cavalli Early 2000s Neon Green Reptile Print Sexy Cut - Out Mini Dress
By Just Cavalli, Roberto Cavalli
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy early 2000s ROBERTO CAVALLI neon green, black and white reptile print. Flirty skater style with a slight drop waist. Brass metal loop at center bust. Ties at center back to acco...
Just Cavalli Black Ruched Flutter Sleeve Jersey Dress Sz 40
By Just Cavalli
Located in New York, NY
Just Cavalli Black Ruched Flutter Sleeve Jersey Dress Sz 40 Made In: Bosnia Color: Black Materials: Jersey- 94% rayon, 6% elastane Opening/Closure: Pul...