/ Courting Cavalli

by Anokhi Admin

Courting Cavalli

Jul 21, 2013

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE INTERNATIONAL ALLURE OF DESIGNER ROBERTO CAVALLI. WHILE AT SINGAPORE FASHION WEEK, ANOKHI WAS PART OF AN EXCLUSIVE CHAT WITH THE DESIGNER WHO SHARED HIS THOUGHTS ON THE ASIAN MARKET, WOMEN AND INDIA

Celebrating 40 years of designing, fashion's inimitable rockstar was Singapore Fashion Week’s closing event spectacle on May 2, 2010. Earlier in the afternoon, however, he made a warm and casual entrance to the Q&A session with select international media. Perfectly tanned and dressed in jeans, a black button-down shirt and jacket, he emanated positive energy and charmed his way through the session, which had even media honchos swooning.

Colin McDowell, one of the world’s leading fashion commentators, was there to steer the conversation—or at least get it started, and once it did, we were all ears, throwing in questions and comments where we could and soaking in the up close and personal experience we were being treated to.

Much to everyone's amusement, Cavalli categorically stated, and often repeated throughout the session that, "I love women, I love their sexuality and sensuality. They make me come alive and it is for the woman that I design. Sorry guys, but I am different from the other designers in this!"

His passion is derived from his simple philosophy of living in his work. He espoused that fashion had to be in one’s blood. Cavalli says he feels wonderful all the time and keeps it real by not caring about what others think or say about him. While he believes in God, he doesn’t believe in religion. This is what keeps him down to earth and real at all times.

He started his career in leather and with his genius, converted the hard and tough material into something beautiful and feminine. He was the first to print on leather and showed his creations to Pierre Cardin and Hermès who immediately endorsed his technique. However, his first collection was a disaster as no one bought his creations—people couldn't fathom printing on leather, let alone fusing denim and leather. However, that changed when his clothes started selling at Harrods. He still says “it is the most beautiful store in the world.” In 1995 he invented stretch denim (putting Lycra in jeans) and says it was the most defining moment of his career. Though he used to be flattered by copycats, he doesn’t appreciate this trend of imitating anymore.

Cavalli acknowledged that the Asian markets are the most important markets today and was thrilled to be in Singapore for the Singapore Fashion Exchange. Though admitting to not being familiar with any upcoming Asian designers, he does come to Asia for inspiration and recently spent weeks in solitude out at sea, drawing inspiration from the water. When asked about India, he said, “I love India, the colors, the sounds, the people. I just love that country”

He’s perpetually smitten and inspired by beautiful women and therefore his passion for designing for women is paramount. He says, “I don’t enjoy designing for men like I do for women, but I have to. It’s a part of the business.” He wants to open more Cavalli Clubs and Café s around the world and is eager to design a casino. He does continue to design boats for friends and special people and would like to expand this side of his creativity.

Cavalli married Eva Duringer in 1980, his lifelong companion, who manages key business elements of his empire. He lavished praise on her for running the creative side of the company and together they make it a point to find and promote young, raw talent—models, photographers and the like as they sincerely believe in giving youngsters a chance.

To top it off, Cavalli is tech-savvy and blogs, Tweets and spends time on Facebook every night. He even invited us to become friends with him on FB but I haven't been able to find his personal account yet, despite him telling me what his profile picture looked like!

The evening show was a scorcher with his fall and winter collections and some classic Cavalli gowns, leaving Singapore’s hot to trot, and who’s who, gasping for more of anything Cavalli.

This interview session with Roberto Cavalli was held at the Singapore Fashion Exchange 2010.

_{BY: ABHISHEK MATHUR / PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2010 ISSUE

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE FASHION WEEK}