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 are unapologetically exuberant. All of the seductive garments crafted at the luxury fashion house have long been associated with extravagance and red-carpet sophistication, and their stories begin in Central Italy.
Roberto Cavalli was born in Florence, Tuscany, in 1940 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 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.
Find vintage Roberto Cavalli clothing, accessories, handbags and purses and more on 1stDibs.
Roberto Cavalli Bold Golden Brown Etched Lucite Curved Sunglasses
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in New York, NY
Roberto Cavalli wonderful bold golden brown lucite curved sunglasses are detailed with the signature name fully etched into the lucite in the arms' length. These glasses are als...
Roberto Cavalli Silver Framed Sunglasses
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in New York, NY
Roberto Cavalli polished silver hardware framed sunglasses measures 2 1/4" in height and 5 5/8" across the front. The sides are 5 1/2" in length, or, 15 1/2" from tip-end to tip-end.
Roberto Cavalli sunglasses Casentino Collection
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CAVALLI - (Made in Italy) Rose-gold metal sunglasses, arms decorated with the house logo, and shaded pink glasses. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Width: 14.5 cm - Glass...
Vintage Jean François Rey Tortoiseshell Sunglasses, Unisex, 1990s
Located in Paris, FR
This striking Jean François Rey frame features a distinctive diamond-shaped silhouette, reimagined in classic tortoiseshell acetate with a contemporary sensibility. Made in France, t...
$198Sale Price|60% Off
New Fendi brown Buckle Sunglasses with Case
By Fendi
Located in Conroe, TX
New Fendi Sunglasses with Case Brand New Brow & Black Sunglasses Fendi Buckle Detail at Sides Lightweight Scratch and Impact Resistant Made in I...
$380Sale Price|20% Off
New Jimmy Choo Swarovski Sunglasses With Case & Box $595
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Conroe, TX
Jimmy Choo Brand New *Stunning in Black * Silver Hardware * Swarovski Crystal at Temples * Resin Frames * ROCK/S 0807 * Made in Italy * 100% UVA/UVB Protection * Comes with Case, Cle...
$297Sale Price|40% Off
New Fendi Gold Aviator Wrap Sunglasses with Case
By Fendi
Located in Conroe, TX
New Fendi Gold Aviator Wrap Sunglasses with Case Brand New Gold & Brown Wrap Sunglasses Faux Leather Accents Lightweight Scratch and Impact Resistant ...
PRADA orange SPR04W RECTANGULAR Sunglasses
By Prada
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Prada SPR04W square sunglasses in brick colored acetate with light rose lenses. Have been worn and are in excellent condition. Come with case. Measurements Model SPR...
$297Sale Price|40% Off
New Fendi Tortoise with FF Sides Sunglasses With Case
By Fendi
Located in Conroe, TX
New Fendi Sunglasses with Case Brand New Brown Sunglasses FF Detail at Sides Lightweight Scratch and Impact Resistant Made in Italy 100% UVA/UVB Protection With Case & Cleaning Clo...
CHANEL Ski Sunglasses 2000 Rare
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
CHANEL Ski Sunglasses 2000 Rare A rare Chanel trendy ski sunglasses from the Fall runway 2000 collection and highly collectable. Featuring a large silver-gr...
Burberry Beige Square Sunglasses
By Burberry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
- Beige frame - Polar brown gradient lenses - Gold tone hardware - Made in Italy - Includes dust bag and case
$396Sale Price|20% Off
New Fendi White Wayfarer Sunglasses with Case
By Fendi
Located in Conroe, TX
New Fendi White Wayfarer Sunglasses with Case Brand New White Wayfarer Sunglasses Lightweight Scratch and Impact Resistant Made in Italy 100% UVA/UVB Protection With Case & Cleanin...
Patrick Kelly 1980s Vintage Acetate Sunglasses
By Patrick Kelly
Located in Paris, FR
Patrick Kelly Vintage Button Detail Sunglasses – 1980s Description: A rare and playful design from the beloved American designer Patrick Kelly, these 1980s sunglasses celebrate his ...
$295Sale Price|40% Off
New Fendi Beige Rose Inlaid Sunglasses With Case
By Fendi
Located in Conroe, TX
Fendi Rose Sunglasses Brand New *Stunning Inlaid Rose Sunglasses * Beige Front & Interior * Inlaid Rose Detail on the Front & Sides * FF Details on Temples * Made in Italy *...
$295Sale Price|43% Off
New Chloe Dark Olive Sunglasses With Case & Cards
By Chloé
Located in Conroe, TX
Chloe Coveted Sunglasses Brand New * Stunning Dark Olive Frames * Brushed Bronze Hardware * Chloe Details on Temples * Made in France * 100% UVA/UVB Protection * With Case, Cleanin...
Roberto Cavalli Rhinestone Snake Motif Oversized Shield Sunglasses circa Y2K
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These Roberto Cavalli Rhinestone Snake Motif Oversized Shield Sunglasses circa Y2K are a bold and glamorous statement piece that perfectly encapsulates the vibrant energy of the early 2000s. The oversized shield frames feature a rich brown tint, providing a striking contrast to the intricate side details. The sides showcase a rose gold-tone snake design, expertly adorned with sparkling rhinestones that add a touch of luxe opulence. The snake motif, a signature of Cavalli’s exotic aesthetic, wraps around the temples, elevating the sunglasses from mere accessories to statement jewelry. These sunglasses are versatile enough to be styled with various designer items, such as a pair of Ed Hardy graphic tees, Juicy Couture velour tracksuits, or a Louis Vuitton monogram bag for a maximalist approach. Alternatively, they can complement a Balenciaga oversized blazer or a Fendi fur coat...
ROBERTO CAVALLI Mekbuda Black Rose Gold Acetate Metal Sunglasses
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in San Francisco, CA
ROBERTO CAVALLI sunglasses in a black acetate featuring a cat eye style, and rose gold tone metal temple accents with rhinestones. Made in Italy.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Mar...
S/S 2001 Roberto Cavalli Ad Blue Shield Silk Scarf Wrap Sunglasses
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the Spring/Summer 2001 collection, similar sunnies to these light blue Roberto Cavalli shield sunglasses were highlighted in the season’s ad campaign. These unique sunglasses fe...
Roberto Cavalli Gold Embellished Sunglasses
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to sunglasses is evident on this used Roberto Cavalli designer resale item. These sunglasses come with original case. However, the int...
Roberto Cavalli Brown Armonia 239S Sunglasses
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to sunglasses is evident on this used Roberto Cavalli designer resale item. These sunglasses come with original case. Details ...
Roberto Cavalli Mint Unisex Sunglasses Shield RC1120 16A 90/15 140 mm
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Rome, Rome
Roberto Cavalli Sunglasses, mod. RC1120 16 A. Wrap rimless frame with grey acetate ear stems. One piece Grey lens. Made in Italy. 90-15 143 mm Details MATERIAL: Metal COLOR: Grey MOD...
Roberto Cavalli Women's Aviator Bronze Metal Sunglasses
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Amman, JO
Roberto Cavalli Women's Aviator Bronze Metal Sunglasses , Featuring tinted gradient brown lenses, bronze frame and straight arms with angled tips. Hardware: Metal Lens: Brown Lens W...
Roberto Cavalli Tortoise Shell Snake Embellished Sunglasses
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
Roberto Cavalli Tortoise Shell Snake Embellished Sunglasses Brown toned acetate sunglasses with gold metal 3D snakes to either side of the arms. Size - One Size Condition - Very...
Roberto Cavalli Brown animal print Round Sunglasses
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Amman, JO
Roberto Cavalli Brown animal print Round Sunglasses with an animal print head temples. Hardware: Acetate Lens: Brown Size: 130*3 Overall Condition: Very Good, Light finger print lik...
Roberto Cavalli brown mask sunglasses
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Capri, IT
Roberto Cavalli brown mask sunglasses
Roberto Cavalli Havana Brown Hamal Sunglasses WIth Goldtone Snake Sides
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in New York, NY
Roberto Cavalli Havana Brown Hamal Sunglasses WIth Goldtone Snake Sides Made In: Italy Color: Havana brown Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Acetate and meta...
Roberto Cavalli Blue Lens Sunglasses
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in New York, NY
Product details: Blue lens sunglasses by Roberto Cavalli. Textured top bar. Cushioned nose pads. Gradient lenses. Temple logo detail. Silvertone hardwa...