MILAN (AP) – Ease and freedom were Peter Dundas’ guiding principles in designing his debut collection for Roberto Cavalli, which previewed Saturday during Milan Fashion Week.
Dundas had the delicate task of reviving a brand that was widely viewed as past its prime while retaining its most iconic elements and paying due homage to the brand’s founder, who hand-picked Dundas and remains an important stakeholder in the fashion house bearing his name.
“I wanted to accentuate the ease and the freedom that the brand represents to me,” Dundas, who just completed a seven-year run as Pucci creative director, told The Associated Press backstage.
Dundas’ debut was also a return home. He had worked at Cavalli during its heyday from 2002-2005 and the designer said he and Cavalli has discussed the direction he would take as his successor.
A 1980s vibe grounded the collection and kept it close to the Cavalli roots: denim, rock-and-roll sequin jackets and billowing chiffon skirt trains, with just a splash of animal print for old-time’s sake.