For fall 2005 the Cavalli look is flamboyantly extravagant and splendidly sexy. Of course, Roberto Cavalli is not one to follow seasonal fads. To this man, who has made a career out of pushing glamour to unprecedented heights, the return of elegant minimalism is, simply put, meaningless. Signor Cavalli is a natural-born entertainer and neither the proliferation of Six Feet Under fashions nor the recent exalting of uncluttered design is going to prevent him from putting on a dazzling show. In Cavalli-andia (a mythical place where glorious sirens burn up the red-carpet in magnificent fuchsia, purple, or gold lamé Oscar gowns; embellished with Austrian crystals, intricate embroideries, and hand sculpted exotic feathers) no one cares if black is back.

Cavalli’s runway spectacles make use of voluminous opulence, luxurious excess and dramatic bravura. More is more, so pile on the fur, crock skin and ostrich fluff. Then proceed to bind all of these elements together with the use of operatic color and theatrical silhouettes. The resulting extravaganza of fabric and form is a celebration of gorgeous femininity and bold panache. Cavalli’s girls dressed in sumptuous goddess gowns, lavish pelt coats, bejeweled evening pieces, and razor-sharp tuxedos do not sit around, waiting for things to happen. Instead, these sizzling vixens call the shots and surely their clothes exude a feeling of relentless self-confidence.