Having a brand rooted in escapism in his hands, Fausto Puglisi has the privilege of letting his globe-trotting fantasies run wild. His pre-collections for Roberto Cavalli in particular know no geographical borders nor age boundaries, in sync not only with the Sicilian designer’s vision of having more than just one Cavalli muse, but also with the commercial demands of drawing customers from across continents and generations.
This was especially true for pre-fall 2025, as Puglisi conjured a versatile yet bold lineup in which he ping pong-ed between past and present, daywear’s practicality and nighttime glam, as well as East and West, flanking his well-known fascination with the U.S. at large — from Manhattan’s streets to California’s shores — with unexpected influences.
Cue charming dresses gleaming with gold threads and lace inserts and cinched by velvet obi belts, as well as chinoiserie-inspired patterns splashed on early 2000s mini frocks and flared suits. A dragon motif ran through the lineup, popping up on knits, covering fire red sartorial pieces or printed on fluid shirts, sexy catsuits, flowing caftans and maxi puffer jackets. It was additionally embroidered on oversize denim shirts and pants or embossed in the textured surface of an eye-catching matelassé leather trenchcoat.
The brand’s craftsmanship shined in another leather look, elevating the unfussy shape of a T-shirt and ankle-length skirt with an intricate lace-like effect. These treatments mingled with the house’s signatures, including leopard spots splashed over body-conscious silhouettes or covering cargo pants with a street attitude, both winking more to a Stateside audience.
With its nonchalant attitude and approachable shapes combined with the richness of its patterns, Puglisi proved that commercial viability and sense of ease don’t have to mean plainness. And that’s good news for Cavalli fans no matter where they live.