Roberto Cavalli Pre-Fall 2018

The Roberto Cavalli Pre-Fall 2018 collection marks a shift in the brand’s visual style. It seems that Paul Surridge, the new creative director (Vogue ’18), succeeds in taming the wild animal that is Cavalli and its prints- almost everything is salable, marketable, wearable. There is a marked difference between this and recent Cavalli collections which really embodied the designer’s aesthetic, knack for mixing bold prints, and brought the 70’s to life on the runway. The key-hole detailed jumpsuit and knit dress, tear-away-shoulder turtle-neck cable-knit, gingham suiting, handkerchief hemlines, booties make for a great segue from the 70’s motif.
The color palette is still bold yet understated, with the expected black and yellow, golden rod, and red contrasting montana sky blue, navy, grey and white. Prints range from animal- zebra and leopard- to floral, blue and white inked; Fringe, chain, skin, and fur ornaments the garments and accessories. The red gored-skirt and contrast open-weave bodice dress accentuates the hips, bust, and legs. The black pleated leather peplum shirt, leather and button-up side-slit trench coats, and black and grey leopard print, along with the navy knit dress, brought a touch of darkness to the otherwise earthy and airy, warm and cozy collection in both color and texture.