Reracked Vintage Showcases Roberto Cavalli's Early Printed Leathers

A new by-appointment exhibition at Reracked Vintage in Kingston, New York, curated by Laura Ellner, reveals an unfamiliar side of Roberto Cavalli's oeuvre: his early 1970s printed leather and suede garments. The pieces, which include jackets, ensembles, and accessories, highlight Cavalli's technical innovation and artistic sensibility, featuring motifs inspired by Art Nouveau, Japanese prints, and psychedelia. Ellner, who specializes in vintage fashion, acquired the collection from a consignee whose mother worked for the Italian knitwear firm Crissa and wore the garments in the 1970s. The labels read "Roberto Cavalli for Crissa." Cavalli's career began in 1960 when he painted sweaters for a friend, and he later developed a printing technique for leather after a chance encounter with leather businessman Mario Valentino. His patented process, known as Stampa Cavalli, involved printing across constructed garments to allow designs to flow over seams. The exhibition runs from September 11-16, with pieces available for purchase starting September 17. Ellner notes that Cavalli's work represents "an intersection of fine art and invention," and attributes current interest in Cavalli to Y2K nostalgia and a desire for individuality in dress.