Roberto Cavalli Spring 2022 RTW

In the 70s, the most sensual stars of the day, including Brigitte Bardot and Sophia Loren, to mention but a few, wore Roberto Cavalli’s clothes.

His approach to design was as untamed as the extravagant rendition of animal prints he used, and women found them irresistible. The collections were conspicuous then and now, and just as show-stopping in the hands of Puglisi – Puglisi gets to the heart of Cavalli DNA.

There’s a feminine strength, albeit an imitable grandeur, in Puglisi’s sexy designs that showcase and enhance a woman’s natural curves.

Some may view the Cavalli look as somewhat eccentric and to that point, even going as far as calling it brazen, but there is a woman who revels in these sizzling looks, and this one is no shrinking violet.

Last season, Puglisi hit all the right notes tapping Daniela Santiago, the HBO Max show Veneno star, as one of his models – strike one. Strike two, Puglisi is on-trend. Those body-conscious, second-skin designs resonate everywhere as we emerge from wearing comfortable clothing. 

So now, strike three. S/S 22, Puglisi has undoubtedly hit his natural stride, taking it all one step further and showing as little of a garment as daringly possible with cuts that laid bare plenty of skin.

The opening number – out came the briefest of sequined dresses with the seasons cut-outs maxed to the extreme and a length that almost bordered on being dangerous. 

The double split dress made famous through the seasons now comes reinterpreted with a contrasting print diagonally placed to the high thigh and teasingly caught to reveal long, long legs.

Animal prints came in various versions prowling over blazers or micro-mini skirts sparkling in silver and black. The tiger face appeared most prominent on a dramatic full skirt or a tank top with luminous green eyes peering over the top of a very tightly cinched waist, while a floral animal print mix felt a little inappropriate to the rest of the collection. Still, at least it offered a little light relief from a jungle full of animals. And you know, there is a version of an animal print for anyone, including men.

But for all of this sea of print, Puglisi dared to offer color, here in a vivid yellow jersey dress that was cleverly draped, plunging the focus down from the shoulder to the waist to reveal a seductive thigh.

Elsewhere, Puglisi used metal hardware to barely hold the material together in a long black figure-hugging dress. But that didn’t matter; this is about as sexy as it gets. I, too, can hear the hearts quickening at the J.Lo camp.