Interview: Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli has the kind of presence that instantly lights up a room – from his booming Italian accent to his cheeky charm, there’s something about the designer that makes you believe you’re in the presence of someone special.

In Sydney to promote the Roberto Cavalli for Target range, the designer exudes an air of confidence as he addresses a room full of journalists the day before the official launch.

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Rather than discuss his favourite pieces from the Roberto Cavalli for Target collection, which launched in stores yesterday (“I can’t possibly,” he says with a dismissive wave. “That’s like asking me to pick the favourite of my 40 children!”), the designer seems happier to divulge on more personal matters, entertaining a rapt audience with stories of his love life.

“I met an Australian girl one day in Florence and it was love at first sight,” begins the designer. “She looked at me, I looked at her – I thought to myself, “fantastic legs.” The day after she left, I knew just her first name – Gloria.”

Cavalli, who chased down the elusive “Gloria” for two months before meeting her again, clearly infuses the kind of passion he bestows upon his love life into his collections.

“I want to make all the girls here happy,” says Cavalli with a wink. “Australia is an important market. You are an island in the middle of the world, but you are a country of beautiful women!”

When asked how the Italians will get their hands on the exclusive range for Target Australia, Cavalli booms cheekily, “they can buy it on eBay!” causing his publicist to hurriedly add, “they can also buy it online and we will ship to them!”

It’s clear the Italians will have to be quick if they want a piece of Cavalli’s lower-priced line however – the Target store in Bondi Westfield was a scene of chaos yesterday, with girls flooding the store to meet the designer and grab a bargain at the same time.

Afterwards, we sat down with Cavalli to get his reaction to the morning.

Congratulations on the official launch of the Roberto Cavalli for Target range this morning.
Thanks, thanks. It was nice downstairs!

Can you tell us how this collection came about and why you decided to launch it in the Australian market?
For many reasons. Mostly because it is a new market for me, and for a long time I’ve wanted to start this in Australia. I love Australia.

This is your first visit to Australia isn't it - why is that?
This is my first time. In fact, this approach with Target gave me the possibility to come here finally. I could have come here before, but I don’t know, I never travel without reason. Australia is most beautiful, most beautiful. This opportunity with Target made me say, ‘OK, I will come’! Also, many young girls come to me in the street in Italy and I feel that they know my fashion but they’re not able to afford it. So I decide to come and try this out in Australia.

You’re known for your signature animal print pieces – what attracts you about this aesthetic?
(laughs) Yeah, yeah! It’s my logo a little bit. I like it because women feel the animal print is sexy. Animal print makes a woman have more confidence!

What are the main differences between Italian and Australian women from a style point of view?
I don't think there is that much difference. Fashion is so international nowadays due to marketing, television, movies, singers and music. The main difference is in the beauty of the Australian girl! They are very beautiful and I’m happy to create dresses for them.

What’s been your favourite Roberto Cavalli red carpet moment? Which celebrity have you been really excited to see wearing your designs?
Ah there are so many, I’m sorry I can’t tell you one name more than somebody else! Because for me, most of them are my friends, they are nice. I would say Jennifer Lopez, Sharon Stone and Beyonce. For me, they are all wonderful women and I’m very proud to create for them, because they love me.

RELATED: Roberto Cavalli for Target Australia

What is your life motto?
To believe in myself. To make the people love me as they love all the people. In every person I try to find the best part, the good part.

If you could give any advice to your younger self, what would it be?
The same. To believe in themselves but not to exaggerate or to expect too much. Money is not important, love is much more important.

I think that’s the Italian way of life.
Yes!

The Roberto Cavalli for Target collection is instore now.

Pictured: A model walks the runway in a design by Roberto Cavalli at Milan S/S 2013 Fashion Week.