Brand Overview

The iconoclastic impressionist designer Cavalli was born in Florence, Italy in 1940. Cavalli came from an artistic family. Painters and tailors both influenced his artistic direction, and he soon found himself studying at the Florence Academy of Art. There, Cavalli broke with tradition and started printing on unorthodox fabrics, including leather. This practice angered his teachers but delighted the masses.Following graduation, Cavalli created patchwork-stitched denim pieces that caught on with underground Italian scenesters. It took the more permissive and eclectic '90s to leverage Cavalli's exotic tastes.

He began opening up boutiques in Milan and New York City. He also won the designer of the year award from the Fashion Group International in 2002. Audaciously showcasing leopard prints, crystal ornamentations, and shreds of leather in his skirts, blouses, and other designs, Cavalli may just be well redefining sexuality for the 21st century.