AS IF Interviews Robert Cavalli, Son of Roberto Cavalli

FASHION

STYLISH SCION ROBERT CAVALLI AND TRIPLE RRR

MAY 22, 2019

WORDS

by KRISTOPHER FRASER

PHOTOS

COURTESY of PURPLE PR

Triple RRR is on its way to becoming a symbol of fashion royalty. The line has been worn by Naomi Campbell, who has proven the brand has unisex appeal, even though it’s a menswear line. It’s already finding a strong customer base in Italy and East Asia, and it’s only in its third season.

As the brainchild of Robert Cavalli, the scion of the Cavalli family, yes that Cavalli family, the ones behind the world renowned Roberto Cavalli label, success was built in the brand’s DNA from get. Although the designer realizes he has an iconic name to live up to he says, “People keep asking me what it’s like to be the son of Roberto Cavalli? What does that mean for you? This is just my world, and the life I grew up in, so I don’t know anything else.”

Robert, who grew up in England, and also went to boarding school there, found his passion for fashion though. The young designer prefers to call it art over fashion because he says, “I use fashion as my form of art. Some people create on a canvas, but I create clothes.”

His collection has only been going for a year, but it’s taking off in a major way. This summer he will be showing at Pitti Uomo, the international Italian menswear tradeshow that’s one of the most watched men’s fashion events in the world. It’s an accomplishment Robert finds very fitting since he is from Florence.

Triple RRR spring/summer 2019

“I use fashion as my form of art. Some people create on a canvas, but I create clothes.”

–Robert Cavalli–

The name Triple RRR comes from the three most important R’s in his life, including himself as Robert, his father Roberto, and the third R for the brand he founded. When he decided to set out on his own and start his own line, his father told him “If you’re going to do this you have to do it differently from everyone else, you have to set yourself apart from the other designers.” Robert grew up watching production, manufacturing and runway shows so he knew what it takes to create a great end product.

This inspired him to create his first collection which was an homage to his family heritage. The first collection totaling 60 pieces included zebra prints, bold colors, and horse graphics, as the name Cavalli means horse. The crowning glory of Triple RRR though is the robe, or more formally known as the dressing gown.

Triple RRR fall/winter 2019

Faith Connexion Fall/Winter 2019

“I was at dinner with a friend, and I started thinking I wanted an outerwear piece that I wouldn’t have to take off that, that was elegant, and sexy that elevated you, so why not a robe,” Robert said. The designer has managed to do what has catapulted so many brands to fame: take a utilitarian item and make it fashion. Burberry had the trench coat, which was originally a military piece, Doc Martens had their welding boots, and now Triple RRR has their robe.

As the menswear market has grown substantially, there is a customer for almost everyone, and with the Cavalli name behind him, Robert quickly found his. “My customer is a guy who wants something different, he’s a guy who’s invested in fashion, he’s more sophisticated,” Robert said.

In addition to his robes, knitwear is considered one of his favorite gems in the collection. “I always talk about the knitwear pieces with extra love, because as far as I can remember I was nine years old and I was with my parents in the fittings learning from the old ladies working in the office about how to make knitwear, every piece I make now has a little heritage of storytelling from my past,” Robert said.

The story Triple RRR tells is simultaneously Milanese glamour and a little bit rock ‘n’ roll. In addition to supermodels like Naomi Campbell, the brand’s recent campaign star was Jordan Barrett who is featured in the fall/winter 2019 lookbook. Other celebrity clientele include Liya Kebede, Machine Gun Kelly, Bad Bunny, Maluma, Sam Smith, Quincy Brown and Khalid. His last collection was shown at Pitti Uomo in a museum style display that became a rave review with the European and Asian editors and buyers.

As for what’s next for his collection, Robert says, “I’ve got a great presence in Italy and Asia, so next I’d like to build more on the American market. The response internationally has been amazing, so next I’d like to see where this goes in the United States.” Triple RRR is the new fashion force in menswear to watch out for.

Triple RRR fall/winter 2019

SHOP TRIPLE RRR

'I Am A Horses Baby' T-shirt

White cotton 'I Am A Horses Baby' T-shirt from Triple RRR featuring a crew neck, short sleeves, a photographic print and a straight hem.

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$154

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Horse Print Shirt

Multicolor horse print shirt from Triple RRR featuring a spread collar, a front button fastening, long sleeves, button cuffs, a photographic print and a straight hem.

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$474

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Zebra-Print Coat

Multicolor silk-blend zebra-print coat from Triple RRR featuring an open front, short sleeves, a photographic print and a straight hem.

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$1756

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