Roberto Cavalli, which appointed Paul Surridge as its new creative director last season, held its first men's runway show in its hometown of Florence as an official event for Pitti Immagine Uomo 94. The collection, held at a monastery nestled in the hills south of Florence, was presented as dusk approached, a display befitting Cavalli, a quintessential Florentine venue. Paul Surridge, who has worked on men's collections for Jil Sander and Ermenegildo Zegna, rejuvenated Cavalli's sexy image, typified by exotic leather, by incorporating understated street style elements like denim and sacoche bags. Animal motifs were given a futuristic feel through modern techniques such as jacquard, print, embossing, and even leather prints. While incorporating a pop of 80s taste with prints featuring digital watch motifs, the tailored pieces are kept simple and limited in color, conveying a luxurious softness through the drape of the fabric. This is a classic Italian style that freely combines python, crocodile, jaguar, and tiger.


Text: Tatsuya Noda