SimplyAbuDhabi VII

1 4 4 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I F rom fashion to interior design, the Cavalli brands have graced the lifestyles of many of the world’s most stylish people. They have become an icon deeply engraved in the culture of luxury. In this issue of Simply Abu Dhabi, we talk to the man behind it all: the one and only Roberto Cavalli. With a total of 14 Cavalli boutiques spread between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the work of Roberto Cavalli is undeniably in demand throughout the UAE. That explains why Dubai was chosen as the launching site for the first international Cavalli Club. In a single sentence, Cavalli Club can be best described as the epitome of luxury, fashion and fine dining, all fused under one roof. Governed by a strict “guest list only” policy, Dubai’s Cavalli Club at the Fairmont Hotel is the most exclusive nightspot in the Middle East. And soon, Dubai will be joined by several other select cities across the world, which will also play host to Cavalli Clubs and Cafés in the near future. While the Cavalli Club concept is the latest brainchild of Roberto Cavalli, Simply Abu Dhabi took the rare opportunity to quiz himmore broadly on how he has been able to continuously take his brand into new directions. The Cavalli history When you opened your first boutique in St Tropez in 1972, did you ever envisage yourself as an international fashion icon? The 1970s were a wonderful time for me, and I continuously find inspiration from this time to incorporate into my collections. Living and working in St Tropez was something I will never forget. I was surrounded by carefree attitudes and glamour: that is what defines the decade for me. I just wanted to do what I liked, and my desire was always to share my creations with people around me. At what point in your career did you realise that ‘Roberto Cavalli’ had become a household name? It was natural to me: I started doing what I liked, what I believed in, and people started to like it as well, wanting to have my pieces in their wardrobes. This is my biggest compliment and achievement! Your mother was a tailor. How influential was she in your decision to pursue a career in fashion? My mother was my first example of the strength and elegance that can exist in a woman. That's stayed with me my entire life – it's the first thing I look for in any woman I encounter. The female form was so appreciated at that time: it was accentuated, not hidden, by the clothes women wore. I may not remember a specific piece of hers, but I've always maintained the idea that a woman's body is something beautiful to be complimented and shown off. Joyful, surprising fashion Your designs are known to be bold and revolutionary. Does this mean you are not afraid to take risks with your work? My brand is authentic. As a creator, I’m certainly not afraid of changes, and I like to continuously surprise my customers with new things. I think this element of joy and surprise is what keeps the label hot, season after season. A Cavalli piece – any Cavalli piece – is special, and that’s what people look for today from designers: something special, something that makes you dream. As the creator of the ‘sand-blasted’ look for jeans, how does it make you feel to know that this particular design is replicated by jean makers across the world? At the beginning of my career as a designer, I experimented with new technologies to create materials, culminating in my invention and patent of a revolutionary printing procedure on leather and denim. The prints have become the backbone of my collection. I like to think that when people start to copy you, it is because you are going down the right path – your experiments generated something new. But I don’t believe that copying is a good choice for designers. Cavalli is always a popular choice for celebrities on the red carpet. Are you selective over whom you dress? Is there a certain criteria you tend to follow? I feel very lucky to dress women that are my friends on the red carpet. Of course I love seeing beautiful women in my clothes, but they do not necessarily have to be celebrities. I have a lot of friends who are constantly in the spotlight, and I like to dress them as they are beautiful women, not because they are simply famous. I am very particular and the criteria is that the dress has to be right for each personality. What prompted you to launch the Roberto Cavalli children’s line, Roberto Cavalli Junior? My strength as a designer is that I have created a lifestyle, not just a style. The lifestyle I created is an optimistic, lively, joyous and positive one. For me creativity is absolutely limitless and this is howRoberto Cavalli Junior was created – especially considering that I always have my grandkids around. I love to be with them, and creating pieces for them is a lot of fun!! What is one essential fashion accessory that you cannot be without? I love accessories – big watches, nice shoes, scarves. Accessories are always essential to personalise the style. Delivering dreams The Cavalli Yacht is well known for its distinctive colour scheme, which changes colours under different lights. Why did you choose this particular design? I designed the yacht myself. This boat represents me. It looks like me. It’s unique. People can like it or not. But there’s nothing like that in the world. Kind of like my clothes. Abu Dhabi is known to be the yacht capital of the Middle East. Do you have plans to bring your Cavalli Yacht to Abu Dhabi anytime soon? Why not? I am always planning to travel around with the yacht, but the issue is always time… Interestingly, you have a pilot’s license to fly helicopters. How and why did you get into this hobby? I love the feeling of discovering, and feeling adventurous – and that’s what drove me to this hobby. I love to pilot myself. Sometimes I just take the helicopter up to fly when the sun is setting. From up there it is a dream to watch the light fading on the Tuscan hills. For decades, the Cavalli brand has been world- renowned in the realms of fashion – so what inspired you to diversify your brand into other areas, such as cafés and interior design? As I said, it is all about lifestyle! Roberto Cavalli is a way of life, a dream… The strategy of diversification has surely proved to be successful, as everything the Cavalli brand touches seems to turn to gold! How do you decide which new area to conquer? My job is to deliver dreams. So everything comes inspired by the freedom to develop one’s internal wishes. It’s not only products, but every aspect of the brand. Cavalli in the UAE Why did you choose the UAE to launch the Cavalli Club concept? It is a place where I have a really good time and where I always like to come back. I have spent many lovely times with my family and friends in Dubai. It is truly a unique and glamorous city. So it is a great place to have a Cavalli Club, right? How is the Cavalli Club different to other luxury clubs? At one point in my career, a very important journalist told me he thought my talent as a designer was an ability to catch the spirit of the time. The times are continuously changing and I always have the desire of new resources – yet with lots of glamour and a great design aesthetic, as well as creativity. Cavalli Club is part of that, it is a unique place that carries the brand identity and the joy of life! In addition to the Cavalli Club in Dubai, there are plans to launch the Cavalli Café in Abu Dhabi. Any update on how soon this will happen? I personally like UAE very much, so you are always in my plans… Abu Dhabi has demonstrated exceptional growth over the past decade. What are your thoughts on Abu Dhabi as an emerging metropolis? Abu Dhabi is continuously expanding, which is wonderful to see. I believe that women fromAbu Dhabi and Roberto Cavalli have lots in common. They are colourful, glamorous and with lots of energy, as I am. When in the UAE, how do you tend to spend your time? Are there any particular hotels or restaurants that you like to visit? I fly to Dubai and Abu Dhabi for business very often. It is a lot of fun! I love to go around the city, taking pictures, trying the food, observing people. It is one of few places in the world where you can have fun and at the same time enjoy the unique beauty of the surrounding nature. My favourite place there is Cavalli Club – no doubts! For more information on Roberto Cavalli please visit: http://www.robertocavalli.com Tomake a Reservation at Cavalli Restaurant &Club Dubai please visit: http://www.cavalliclubdubai.com