Portrait of Roberto Cavalli, circa late 1970s

The Roberto Cavalli popularly known is an opulent jet-setter, passionate about exotic travel, photography and luxurious design. What fewer are aware of is Cavalli’s pioneering role in textile history, having developed and patented a unique leather printing technique in the late 1970s that drew commissions from major Parisian fashion houses and set the wheels in motion for the launch of his eponymous label.

The decades since have seen the brand thrive as the sartorial embodiment of Cavalli’s hedonistic life philosophy, so it’s unsurprising that upon his return to the design helm last season he should look to his own rock ‘n’ roll attitude for inspiration. As Cavalli here shares, SS15 will witness another inward journey incorporating tokens from his latest travels and the patchworked prints that helped start it all…

Roberto Cavalli SS15

“My passion is travel and I am constantly inspired by my adventures around the globe, and therefore my collections will always reflect this,” says Cavalli of his ongoing influences. “I am often in awe of what I discover on my travels and how truly inspiring nature is. I have tried to re-interpret my latest finds into my Spring/Summer menswear collection.

My creative psyche is always switched on, I can’t turn it off! From the moment I leave my house in the morning I am constantly taking new aspects of life in and embracing the new, without forgetting my past. When I travel it clears my mind and allows my creativity to soar as I feel such freedom.

I have been designing for over forty years and yes I do sometimes like to reflect on certain times in my career, but I design for the modern man, the nomadic traveler, someone who embraces life and makes the most out of every single day. I enjoy designing Summer collections as I can embrace my heritage in leather and print, which you may see as a reference point of this collection…

As well as design, my passion is photography, so I like to fuse these elements in my creativity. I am surrounded by both strong men and women who I take great inspiration from. Being a man, I can appreciate what men like to wear – both in their professional and personal lives. A man has many facets in life and I like to design with that lifestyle in mind – a man who is always on the go!

I have always been a great fan of music. I find musicians to be very creative, just like myself. I have been very fortunate to dress some of the most iconic musicians of our times. Musicians often seem to like my clothes and prints, perhaps because they give them a sense of freedom and allow them to express themselves. I also like to be surrounded by music when designing.”

Roberto Cavalli will show his SS15 in Milan on Tuesday, 24th June. Stay tuned to HERO for full fashion week coverage from London, Florence, Milan and Paris