Interview: Roberto Cavalli’s creative director on Dubai Fashion Week’s debut

Against the backdrop of hand-picked soundtracks, including Supernature, famously remembered from the Paris Olympics, audiences were treated to the show of the year in the heart of Dubai Design District as Roberto Cavalli closed Dubai Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025 with a signature show last night. This marked the iconic Italian fashion house’s grand debut at the region’s most influential fashion event.

Fausto Puglisi, Creative Director of Roberto Cavalli, crafted an exclusive edit of the brand’s Resort 2025 Collection specifically for Dubai Fashion Week, showcasing the label’s evolving design language for modern audiences. In an exclusive interview with The Kurator, Puglisi shared his excitement about the event, stating, “It is a true honor to be here in Dubai, a city that perfectly blends tradition with modernity, much like the Roberto Cavalli brand. We are thrilled to present our latest collection, specially curated for this event, with deep respect and admiration for the Middle Eastern audience.” He added, “DFW Spring/Summer 2025, co-founded by d3 and the Arab Fashion Council, further cements Dubai’s role as a global fashion hub. Roberto Cavalli’s participation at DFW highlights the brand’s regional and global revival.”

As the guest of honor, Cavalli showcased an exclusive edit curated by Creative Director Fausto Puglisi, featuring the house’s signature animal motifs, including zebra stripes, leopard spots, and floral patterns. The exclusive collection also featured trench coats, dresses, and silk shirts. Western elements, like cowboy boots and hats, played a prominent role, while the iconic Roar Bag took center stage, debuting in new crocodile and lizard-effect variations. Puglisi’s vibrant designs embodied the spirit of bold elegance, paying homage to Cavalli’s colorful heritage. The region, particularly Dubai, served as a wellspring of inspiration, with Puglisi sharing, “As we continue to explore Middle Eastern culture, we are constantly inspired by the unique elegance and captivating fashion sense of the women here. Their ability to blend tradition, history, and contemporary style is truly avant-garde. This fusion of past and present drives Roberto Cavalli’s creative vision, and we strive to design collections that make every woman feel empowered and uniquely fabulous.”

Cavalli’s showcase concluded a week filled with runway shows, panel discussions, exclusive dinners, and capsule launches across the city for the Spring/Summer 2025 edition. Reflecting on the experience, Puglisi added, “It was an honor to close Dubai Fashion Week in such a dynamic market, which aligns perfectly with the spirit of our collections. The significant presence of youth in this market, particularly among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, positions it as one of the most influential fashion scenes globally.”