Fausto Puglisi’s latest collection for Roberto Cavalli channels the raw beauty of ancient Pompeii, fusing volcanic drama with modern sophistication for Fall/Winter 2025. The line honors the Italian city’s frozen artistry while reimagining its legacy through sleek, wearable designs that resonate with contemporary boldness.
Puglisi drew on childhood memories of the ruins of Pompeii, where lava-preserved frescoes and mythology left a lasting impression. This season, volcanic textures take center stage: devoré velvet dresses mimic eroded stone, while denim and trenches feature faux-fur leopard trims – a nod to Cavalli’s signature boldness. Lava-inspired buttons adorn structured blazers, bridging rugged history with polished tailoring.
The collection’s prints evoke the famous frescoes of Pompeii, reinterpreted as delicate, painterly patterns on fluid suits and shirts. A standout godet skirt dress references the glamour of 1940s Hollywood, inspired by costume designer Adrian’s sharp-shouldered silhouettes. Puglisi balances these dramatic shapes with softer touches, such as chiffon bustiers woven with gold-bronze motifs reminiscent of southern Italian jewelry.
Botanical elements appear in breezy caftans and shirt dresses adorned with lush garden prints, while graphic black-and-white mosaics and python patterns add edge. Accessories lean into symbolism: serpentine bags nod to metamorphosis, and lava stone jewelry mixes with pearls in fiery Pompeian red.
Puglisi’s evolution at Cavalli is one of restrained opulence. While house codes such as animal prints remain, his focus on tactile fabrics – crushed velvets, light wools – underscores the extravagance. The result feels both nostalgic and forward, reflecting Pompeii’s duality as a site of destruction and preservation.
©Photo: Roberto Cavalli
