Fausto Puglisi

Fausto Puglisi is an Italian fashion designer and the Creative Director of Roberto Cavalli, a role he assumed in 2020. Born in Messina, Sicily, he developed his aesthetic sensibility in the United States before returning to Europe to lead houses such as Emanuel Ungaro. Puglisi has gained international fame for his bold, high-energy designs, which have been embraced by some of the world’s most prominent pop culture figures.

His work is noted for its ability to bridge the gap between traditional Italian craftsmanship and a contemporary, star-driven glamour. Since joining Cavalli, he has been instrumental in redefining the brand’s identity for a modern era, combining the house’s flamboyant heritage with a sharp, architectural perspective.

The juxtaposition of Sicilian bravado and American pop culture energy informs a bold, assertive femininity. Since taking the creative lead at Cavalli, the focus has shifted towards a ‘dark romanticism’ that reinterprets the house’s iconic animal prints and baroque motifs through dramatic, sculpted shapes. There is a consistent use of architectural silhouettes and an omnipresent black palette, which serve to ground the more opulent and decorative elements of the brand’s heritage.

Craftsmanship is viewed through a lens of historical art and traditional Italian techniques, with specific references to Murano glass and classical sculpture appearing in the detailing. The silhouette is often sharp and high-contrast, designed to project strength and confidence. By balancing the house’s traditional focus on seduction with a more rigorous, structural approach, the work creates a modern dialogue between Italian glamour and contemporary power dressing.