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.
Set of 2 Chest of Drawers in Pony Skin by Roberto Cavalli, 2000s
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Roma, IT
Pair of Roberto Cavalli Pony Skin Chests of Drawers. Italy, 2000s. A striking and highly decorative pair of chests of drawers by Roberto Cavalli, emblematic of the designer’s unmist...
Wood
André Sornay (1902–2000) Pair of chests of drawers
By Andre Sornay
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
André Sornay (1902–2000) Pair of chests of drawers Beechwood and laminate 3 drawers Dimensions: W 104 × D 54 × H 75 cm Date: circa 1965 A beautiful pair of chests of drawers attribu...
Wood
$547Sale Price|20% Off
H 34.65 in W 17.72 in D 13.39 in
art deco chest of drawers chest of drawers 1940s
Located in Lemmer, NL
art deco chest of drawers chest of drawers 1940s period 1940-1949 design unknown condition good light signs of use size 88 x 45 x 34 (hxwxd) details oak; iron; article n...
Oak
Zebra Head Chest of Drawers with Zebra Skin
Located in Paris, FR
Chest of drawers Zebra Head with structure in solid beechwood. coated with real Burchell Zebra Skin. With zebra head perfectly reconstituted in flat on the top. With two real Koud...
Bronze
Chest Of Drawers In Mahogany With 7 Drawers From 1860s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique chest of drawers in mahogany from the 1860s. With 7 drawers. Inspected and keyholes repaired before delivery. — Origin: Denmark — Period: 1860s — Material: Mahogany — Number...
Mahogany
Cern Chest of Drawers by Pastform
Located in Geneve, CH
Cern Chest of Drawers by Pastform Dimensions: D 40 x W 80 x H 80 cm. Materials: Stained and varnished wood. Available in different wood color finishes: Whiskey, Rum, BPA, Nobel, Bra...
Wood
Pure Lamb Chest of Drawers Set of Two
Located in Paris, FR
Chest of drawers pure lamb set of two, with structure in solid beechwood. Covered with pure Mongolian lamb wool. Each with: - Two real horns of Aries and two real horns of Koudou....
Bronze
$836
H 31.89 in W 23.63 in D 18.51 in
Chest of Drawers With 3 Drawers In Walnut & Metal Legs By Skovby Møbelfabrik
By Skovby Møbelfabrik A/S 1
Located in Lejre, DK
Skovby chest of drawers in walnut with 3 drawers and metal legs. Modern Danish furniture from Skovby Møbelfabrik. — Type: Chest of drawers with 3 drawers — Manufacturer: Skovby Møbe...
Metal
$8,593 / item
H 35.44 in W 43.31 in D 15.75 in
Chest of Drawers "Losange" in Zebrano Open in Tow Drawers
By Aymeric Lefort
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Chest of drawers in Zebrano Build with 13 scares Zebrano marquetry open in tow big drawers. Leg are in black painted metal. The frame is built in oak and t...
Wood
Diminutive Chest of Drawers Made in California by Monterey
By Monterey Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Rustic Early California dresser made by the Monterey Furniture Company. The dresser features four drawers each having two wrought iron handles, the top has a stylish shaped ...
Iron
BAKER Barbara Barry Mahogany Chest, Modern Design, Circa 2000s
Located in Perkasie, PA
BAKER Barbara Barry Modern Design Mahogany Chest – 74103 This sophisticated mahogany chest by BAKER, designed as part of the Barbara Barry collection, combines clean modern lines with the richness of a dark, high-sheen finish. Its understated silhouette and beautifully polished surface create a refined presence that works effortlessly in a bedroom, living space, or elegant entryway. Crafted in mahogany, the chest showcases quality construction and dovetailed drawer joinery, reflecting attention to detail in both design and workmanship. The restrained modern aesthetic allows the deep wood finish to take center stage, making this piece an appealing choice for interiors that balance contemporary simplicity with traditional materials. Approximately 20 years old, this BAKER chest offers a versatile storage solution with a polished, designer-inspired look. It retains its excellent, clean original finish and condition, making it an attractive addition to a carefully curated home. Offered at a fraction of its original retail cost, this Barbara Barry design presents an opportunity to enjoy the quality and style of fine BAKER furniture at exceptional value. Maker: BAKER Collection/Designer: Barbara Barry Age: Approximately 20 years old Style: Modern Material: Mahogany Finish: Dark, high-sheen mahogany finish Construction: High-quality construction with dovetailed drawer joinery Condition: Excellent, clean original finish and condition Dimensions: 40W x 22D x 40.5H Suggested 1stDibs Keywords: BAKER furniture, Barbara Barry chest, BAKER Barbara Barry, mahogany chest, modern mahogany chest, designer storage furniture, dark mahogany furniture...
Mahogany
Celato Chest of Drawers in Brass by De Castelli
By DeCastelli
Located in Boston, MA
Celato is a reference to what is concealed to keep a memory intact; it’s an archetype in which beauty is revealed in stages. A monolithic appearance makes Celato a contemporary menhi...
Brass
Brass Chest of Drawers by Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic mid century chest of three drawers crafted in a sleek modern form entirely clad in brass with a hip acid washed finish featuring Chinese characters as drawer pulls signifying th...
Brass
$2,841
H 28.35 in W 63 in D 20.87 in
Capable MB84 Wood Chest of Drawers by Roberto Poggi for Poggi, Italy, 1990s
By Poggi
Located in Milan, IT
MB84 chest of drawers by Roberto Poggi for Poggi. Capable walnut piece with four drawers and brass details.
Brass
Chest of drawers
By Zanaboni
Located in Milan, IT
Combining the dark elegance of ebony with the strikingly large grain of the ziricote wood, this oval chest of drawers is a stunning piece of functional decor that will enrich the look of any bedroom. The bold structure rests on a base in brass, which occurs also in the metal details and in the handles of the drawers. The base boasts inserts of Corteccia marble for a luxurious final effect. Matching night tables...
Marble, Brass
Chest of Drawers by Arne Vodder
By Sibast
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Chest of drawers in teak with round legs of steel and teak. Maker Sibast Furniture.
Teak
Charming Roberto Cavalli Dresser in Imitation Reptile Leather
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Milano, IT
Magnificent dresser designed and signed by Roberto Cavalli for Cavalli Home at the end of the 90s. The chest of drawers is made on the sides, top and base in a beautiful glossy black lacquered wood and has a beveled shape on both sides. The chest of drawers part is made of reptile skin imitation leather, wheat color. The two side doors accommodate two shelves upholstered in black velvet, giving an unparalleled touch of eccentricity. The drawers are adorned with handles bearing the designer's initials, which are also present on the base. Even the two side doors are characterized by two particular handles: the small central body is made of sparkling diamonds, while the two side wings are of a very elegant dark amber color. The chest of drawers is suitable to complete very important bedrooms. Wanting to complete the set, there are also two smoky colored vanity...
Velvet, Faux Leather, Wood