Ancient Ruins Meet Modern Runways: The Volcanic Elegance Of The Roberto Cavalli Pompeii Inspired Fall-Winter 2025-2026 Collection
During Milan Fashion Week, on February 27th, Roberto Cavalli's creative director, Fausto Puglisi unveiled the Fall-Winter 2025-2026 collection titled Pompeii Future. Pompeii was an ancient Roman city near modern-day Naples, Italy, that was famously buried under volcanic ash, which Fausto Puglisi fell in love with during his childhood visit. The collection celebrates the eternal value of art and creativity where Cavalli's DNA meets Puglisi's creativity at the intersection of femininity and opulent elegance, anchored in today's world by blending historical elements with contemporary fashion.
Pompeii Future is about preserving the past while adapting to modern challenges, ensuring it remains both a historical treasure and a source of new discoveries for generations to come. Similarly, Cavalli's fashion show was set up with tall columns, ivy-covered archways, and Roman-style marble flooring, recreating the grandeur of a Pompeian villa. The models walked through a space that mimicked the elegance of an ancient Roman courtyard.
The opening outfit was a red velvet dress that transitioned from fiery hues to metallic silver and gold, symbolizing the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
The outfit below is a striking example of Puglisi's Pompeii-inspired vision. The flowing ensemble features a dramatic volcanic eruption print, capturing the fiery destruction of Mount Vesuvius in shades of orange, red, and black. The pattern mimics the intensity of molten lava against the dark background, evoking both devastation and beauty. The silhouette is elegant, with a high-neck, long-sleeve cape-like top that billows as the model moves, creating a dynamic effect that enhances the imagery of flowing lava. The ensemble embodies both historical storytelling and modern luxury. This design aligns with the collection theme of reinterpreting ancient Pompeii through rich textures, historical references, and dramatic prints.
Highlights Roberto Cavalli Fall-Winter 2025-2026
The collection embodied a bold aesthetic, featuring floral fresco motifs inspired by the Domus Garden, along with velvet minidresses and intricately embroidered pieces reminiscent of ancient Roman artistry. Signature animal prints, drawn from wildlife mosaics found in historic villas, added a touch of untamed elegance. Meanwhile, faded marble patterns reflected the preserved beauty of Pompeii, seamlessly blending classical grandeur with modern sensuality.
Backstage
The makeup, crafted by artist Cécile Paravina, complemented this theme by blending natural beauty with dramatic accents. Models showcased a fresh and radiant skin finish, emphasizing a healthy glow that reflects the timeless allure of Pompeian frescoes. Eyes were the focal point, with smoky shades and metallic tones reminiscent of volcanic ash and molten lava. Lips were kept neutral, allowing the eyes to take center stage and maintaining a balance between boldness and elegance.
Roberto Cavalli's Fall-Winter 2025-2026 collection masterfully blended history with modern opulence, "proving that even in ashes, elegance can rise." Celebrities who attended Cavalli's fashion show included Valentina Ferragni, Chiara Ferragni, Victoria Monét, Kelly Rutherford, Chiello, Desirée Popper, and Aitana.
