Rare Roberto Cavalli Runway Grecian Serpent Silk Dress Gown
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 65 in (165.1 cm)Bust: 38 in (96.52 cm)Waist: 28 in (71.12 cm)Hip: 36 in (91.44 cm)
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU19610753872
Roberto Cavalli
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Los Angeles, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Gucci Coveted Runway Tartan Plaid Hi Low Dress GownBy GucciLocated in Los Angeles, CAGucci unveiled its resort 2017 collection with an eclectic collection that fused Alessandro Michele’s whimsical style with British inspired touches. The result was a highly imaginat...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses
- Gucci Runway 1920's Style Chain Mail Evening DressBy GucciLocated in Los Angeles, CAThe Gucci 2018 runway show presented a featured array of exciting eventful evening wear. From designer Andre Michelle, a lovely soft lilac chain mail evening dress. A 1920's show...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses
- Maison Margiela Rare Vintage Beaded Tapestry Runway Dress Gown Museum CollecBy Maison Martin MargielaLocated in Los Angeles, CASpring 2012 Maison Martin Margiela's collection of exquisite evening wear inspired by Asian theme tapestry. One could picture this "wearable art" sequined number out at a fashion party or special event. Margiela tapestry gown featured in RSID museum exhibition (see last photo). Strapless gown with corset...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Gowns
- John Galliano Grecian Inspired Asymmetric Ivory Silk Chiffon DressBy John Galliano, Christian DiorLocated in Los Angeles, CAJohn Galliano circa 2000 angelic elegant evening gown inspired by Grecian fashion. Asymmetrically fashioned in ivory silk chiffon delicately crafted in crisscross draped bodice. L...Category
Early 2000s Evening Dresses
- Thierry Mugler Iconic Old Hollywood 1930's Inspired Dress Gown Wing Fin AccentsBy Thierry MuglerLocated in Los Angeles, CAThierry Mugler Siren gown inspired by Old Hollywood fashions of the 1930's. Fashioned of white pleated viscose in a halter style featuring "win...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Gowns
- Comme des Garcons NWT 2014 Runway Oversized Aerodynamic Link DressBy Comme des GarçonsLocated in Los Angeles, CARei Kawakubo's collection for Comme des Garcons S/S 2014 denotes a collection creatively unfettered by rules and formulas normally used in the fashion industry. In this collection t...Category
2010s Shift Dresses
- John Galliano S/S 2005 Cherry Print Tie Up Silk Slip Mini DressBy John GallianoLocated in Naples, FLJohn Galliano S/S 2005 Cherry Print Tie Up Silk Slip Mini Dress FR 38Category
Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Linda Cunningham Taupe Silk Gown w/ Multi Floral Lace & 3 Tier Ruffle Bust - 10Located in West Palm Beach, FLLinda Cunningham Taupe Silk Gown w/ Multi Floral Lace & 3 Tier Ruffle Bust - 10. This gorgeous gown is in excellent condition. It features a taupe silk material, three tier ruffle ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Gowns
- Malcolm Starr Heavily Beaded Green Silk Organza Gown, Circa 1970sBy Malcolm StarrLocated in West Palm Beach, FLMalcolm Starr Heavily Beaded Green Silk Organza Gown - 8- Circa 70's This Elinor Simmons for Malcolm Starr creation is fabulous. This gorgeous green ...Category
1970s American Empire Waist Dresses
- 1960s Haute Couture International Heavily Beaded Gown Size MediumLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis Haute Couture International 1960s gown is an absolute stunner featuring immaculate beading throughout in a silver hue. There is a cent...Category
20th Century Hong Kong Evening Gowns
- Draped and printed long evening dress Roberto CavalliBy Roberto CavalliLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRDraped and printed long evening dress. Brooch in gold metal and rhinestone on the left side of the bustier. Adjustable shoulder strap. Padded bra. E...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses
- White cocktail dress with tulle panel Roland Mouret for Bergdorf GoodmanBy Roland MouretLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRWhite cocktail dress with tulle panel. Zip in the middle back. Small buckle to hold the back straps. Fabric composition: 50% rayon, 47% acetate, 3% elastane. 100% silk lining. SIZE ...Category
Early 2000s British Cocktail Dresses