Cavalli kicks off summer collection tour with Selfridges show and pop-up

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Jun 1, 2023

There are special collections and really special collections and the latest from Roberto Cavalli, that’s set to make waves at Selfridges, is undeniably one of the latter.

It was unveiled at a spectacular event on Wednesday evening with the luxury Italian brand and British luxury department store hosting a dinner and evening of entertainment (including a performance by Rina Sawayama) in London.

So what’s it all about? The Selfridges event was the start of Cavalli’s international tours for its Wild Leda Summer collection. 

It’s all based around the label’s “opulent and sensual Spring/Summer 2023 print, depicting a bucolic scene inspired by the Leda and the Swan archival pattern originally designed by Roberto Cavalli in 1994”. That print is “the protagonist of a charming capsule collection that will be celebrated with a rich programme of events and activations”. 

The collection was conceived by Creative Director Fausto Puglisi, who’s paid tribute to the brand’s artistic heritage by reimagining the print “with an unapologetic and always very feminine vibe”.

Importantly too, the seasonal capsule takes in a broad range of products from ready-to-wear, to beachwear and accessories (including the season’s signature Roar Bag and Pettegole slingback shoes), as well as a selection of homewares and furniture pieces. 

Selfridges will host a four-week pop-up for the collection from 1 June on its second floor. And to deepen the impact, the giant department store’s two main windows facing Oxford Street will showcase the Wild Leda capsule “with a fascinating, surreal installation”. 

Interestingly, this will also inspire the decoration of one of the store’s restaurants, the Brasserie of Light, “where the mythological inspiration of Wild Leda meets that of Damien Hirst's Pegasus”.

Fashion links with store restaurants are increasing and only recently we’ve seen the opening of the Prada Caffè inside Harrods in London and US brand Alice + Olivia taking over the Terrace at Harvey Nichols across town in Knightsbridge.

In the case of Roberto Cavalli and Selfridges, for four weeks, the food destination will show customised Roberto Cavalli Home tableware, cushions and candles, and will offer a special menu designed in collaboration with the Italian brand. 

So why kick off at the London destination store? Cavalli’s group CEO Sergio Azzolari described the department store as “a cutting-edge point of reference in the luxury shopping scene” and said it provides “next-level omnichannel customer experiences for a discerning international client. It is a landmark destination where everyone is welcome – a creative playground in which to discover and share new ideas and that fits perfectly with the spirit of the Roberto Cavalli brand.

“Wild Leda at Selfridges will bring a piece of the glamorous Roberto Cavalli Summer lifestyle to London – bold, beautiful and unique.” 

The Selfridges event on Wednesday will be followed up by a cocktail event at Cavalli’s British flagship on London’s Sloane Street. And through the summer, it will host pop-up shops at both the label’s boutiques in Milan, Rome, Miami, St Tropez, Cannes, and Porto Cervo, as well as at selected partners, including LuisaViaRoma in Florence, Russo in Capri, Franzese in Naples, Parisi in Taormina and Julian Fashion in Milano Marittima.