Supermodels Unite to Honor Roberto Cavalli’s Legacy at His SS25 Tribute Show

The Roberto Cavalli SS25 show, held during Milan Fashion Week, marked the brand’s first collection since the passing of its iconic founder, Roberto Cavalli, earlier this year. Creative director Fausto Puglisi crafted a 62-look runway that paid homage to Cavalli's legendary designs, known for their bold prints, glamour, and timeless red carpet moments. Puglisi’s collection was a nostalgic tribute, emphasizing the house’s signature animal prints, opulent textures, and sultry, barely-there gowns, evoking the peak of Cavalli's 2000s dominance.

The show culminated with a powerful display of supermodel unity, as a multi-generational lineup of fashion icons, including Mariacarla Boscono, Joan Smalls, Eva Herzigová, Karen Elson, Alek Wek, Isabeli Fontana, and Natasha Poly, graced the runway together. This finale was one of Milan Fashion Week’s most striking model moments, blending nostalgia and celebration. The models emerged in a sequence of luxurious, ethereal whites and golds, which later transitioned to earthy tones and finally to the extravagant partywear that characterized Cavalli’s signature style.

An emotionally charged voice recording of Roberto Cavalli himself echoed through the venue, declaring “I was the party,” reinforcing the designer’s spirit throughout the show. The models paraded in designs that evoked Cavalli’s unforgettable red carpet moments. Mariacarla Boscono walked in a vibrant, feathered cocktail dress, while Alek Wek donned a reimagined version of Christina Aguilera’s iconic 2003 MTV VMAs outfit. The nostalgia continued with other red carpet recreations, such as animal-print slips reminiscent of Aaliyah’s legendary 2001 VMAs look. To close the show, Eva Herzigová stunned in a black, slashed leather dress, embodying the rock-and-roll attitude Cavalli was famous for.

Beyond the show’s emotional farewell to its founder, the collection was a testament to Cavalli’s enduring legacy. The presentation celebrated everything the designer was known for—barely-there animal print gowns, sparkling bikinis, metallic mini skirts, low-cut patterned jeans, oversized sunglasses, and gold jewelry that defined the glamour and excess of the early 2000s. Puglisi stayed true to the brand's DNA while updating it for today’s audience, fusing past and present in a seamless display of homage and modernity.

The choice of models also held significance, as Puglisi recruited industry legends from different generations. This reinforced the idea that Cavalli's creations are timeless, beloved by supermodels across eras, and that his influence continues to inspire both the industry and popular culture. The show highlighted the house’s mastery of blending casual beachwear aesthetics with high-octane party looks, with pieces such as ocean-print halter necks flowing into Cavalli's famed, glamorous eveningwear.

From the fluid transitions in color—starting with heavenly whites and shimmering golds, moving to earthy browns, and culminating in vibrant party attire—Puglisi expertly guided the audience through a retrospective of Cavalli’s most iconic designs. By the end of the show, the models gathered for an emotional final walk, embodying the essence of Roberto Cavalli's timeless sensuality and fearless approach to fashion.