Every season is a journey for Roberto Cavalli and his Just Cavalli line. After transporting us to Bhutan back in February and showing a racy Spring collection entitled "Cyber Eden," the designer set his sights on historic Persia and Turkey for Pre-Fall. With this theme in mind, Cavalli mashed up tapestry patterns inspired by traditional kilim rugs—similar to those carpeting the floors of his own Florentine villa—with his signature leopard spots and python scales. The combination worked best on peplum biker jackets and flared skirts cut from a techy napa leather fused with nylon, which were accessorized with bohemian, tasseled scarves and on-trend fringy handbags. Just Cavalli maintains a youthful rock ’n’ roll edge and that came across in a series of tough Perfectos patchworked with panels of shiny Lurex and PVC, as well as distressed jeans accented with silver star studs. Although Cavalli isn't known for simplicity, some of the comparatively pared-down pieces, including wool toggle coats and a black twill LBD, were the big standouts here. Those are sure to be popular with practical yet polished New Yorkers when the label opens its Manhattan flagship in Soho later this month.
