Back in April, Roberto Cavalli, the iconic Italian designer who was known for his sexy boho print designs, passed away at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy that remains a constant source of inspiration. This September, Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) is set to pay homage to the late designer, by inviting the Italian fashion house–led by Fausto Puglisi since 2020– as the guest of honor. Running from Sep. 1-7, the womenswear brand will make its Dubai runway debut, closing out the Spring 2025 season.
Cavalli, who revolutionized fashion in the 1970s with printed leather gowns, has long been synonymous with Italian luxury and audacious glamor. From Paris runways to Hollywood red carpets, the late designer’s legacy is one of unrestrained opulence, characterized by tropical patterns and daring animal prints. More than a titan of high fashion, the brand is also a pioneer, credited with elevating denim into the realm of haute couture through innovative treatments and the invention of stretch denim.
Over the years, Roberto Cavalli has diversified, extending its luxurious touch to handbags, fragrances, children’s wear, and home interiors. After Cavalli retired in 2015, Norwegian designer Peter Dundas took over until May 2017. He was succeeded by former Acne Studios creative consultant Paul Sturridge.
In 2020, Puglisi was named creative consultant of Roberto Cavalli, threading his own vision of glamor through the house and reimagining it for a new audience. Puglisi, who has dressed the likes of Madonna, Beyoncé, and Jennifer Lopez, has a keen eye for capturing the spirit and mood of the moment. At DFW, the Italian brand will close the Spring/Summer 2025 season with an exclusive collection that blends bohemia and luxury.
Puglisi himself shares the excitement: “We are honored to be the guest brand at Dubai Fashion Week. Dubai is one of our biggest Middle Eastern markets, and the city’s spirit aligns perfectly with Roberto Cavalli. Showcasing here allows us to connect more deeply with our loyal clientele and new admirers alike.”
Echoing on his statement, Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3), underscores the importance of this debut: “Dubai Fashion Week is growing in prominence and prestige. Each edition proves Dubai’s mettle as a global fashion capital. Roberto Cavalli’s Middle East runway debut on our platform sends a powerful message to the international industry: that Dubai is where the future of fashion is being written.”
Scheduled from Sep.1-7, Dubai Fashion Week will set a glamorous tone for the season, preceding New York Fashion Week. With over 30 brands from around the world—including France, India, Italy, and the UAE—presenting a mélange of streetwear and haute couture, DFW promises to be a vibrant showcase of diverse fashion expressions.
Meanwhile, this is not the first time Roberto Cavalli has brought its collection to the Middle East. The brand previously participated in the now defunct Abu Dhabi Fashion Week in 2007, where it showcased an array of colorful evening gowns at the Emirates Palace.
