Saturday
1:14 p.m.
Roberto Cavalli just showed his collection against a ring of fire and pyrotechnics, which floated on a pool of water. And it’s unleashing some pretty painful, puntastic commentary on Instagram and Twitter: ‘Girl on fire,’ ‘Trial by fire,’ ‘Feel the heat,’ ‘Feel the burn,’ ‘Burn baby burn,’ and my personal favorite, ‘So hot.’
If anything, it seems like the real fire has been spewing from Cavalli’s mouth — he did refer to himself as a dragon backstage — between his criticizing Donatella Versace for hiring Lady Gaga to sell her clothing and accusing Michael Kors of copying his work. Hell hath no fury like a designer scorned, hmm? (Hey, puns are trending.)
All controversies aside, fire actually makes the perfect backdrop for Cavalli’s flamboyant clothes. When a collection has heaps of dramatic fur on top of feathers on top of python on top of fringe, and tassels, and studs, and beading, the addition of a ring of flames and smoke seems only right and natural. It says a lot about the impact of Cavalli’s clothes that they can even stand up against the theatrics, which in turn explains why they attract so many big celebrity personalities (see Beyoncé during her surprise pre-Super Bowl concert earlier this month or Cheryl Cole who sat front row). Like his frenemy Donatella, he’s cultivated an iconic look that may not set any agendas, but epitomises Milanese fashion and its trademark carnal glamour. This is the drama we look for from Milano Moda Donna and he’s delivered.
The mood
Nine minutes of maximalism at its most excessive, with the production value of a Beyoncé concert.
The major trends
Python, tassels, contrasting textures, blanket coats, gold, Seventies inspired shapes — you name it, it was in this collection.
