LONG TIME NO SEE: After keeping to himself since selling his company to private equity Clessidra two years ago, Roberto Cavalli attended his namesake brand’s show on Friday, the first designed by Paul Surridge. “I am still the same,” said Cavalli, surrounded by well-wishers and old friends. And so he was. Ahead of the show, he gave his blessing to Surridge, saying he liked the collection by the British designer. “I value him — others had worked for themselves,” he said in his outspoken way before being censored by his entourage. “Flowers must be watered and tended to, but I believe these will bloom and have a strong scent,” Cavalli said. “There’s an element of chicness and refinement that I wished today for the brand. I was not perfect and I don’t expect perfection from others.” Love was in the air, as Surridge, who met Cavalli after taking on his role, embraced the founder of the Florence-based company while taking his bow.
A few seats away, Lucie de la Falaise represented the present of the brand. “I was personally invited by Paul Surridge, who sees me as an inspiration. I am honored and flattered.” De la Falaise said she is “breaking into the career of interior design.” After designing a picnic basket for Christian Dior Home, she has been working on collaborations. “Now I want to start on my own, adding also homeware,” she revealed.