Cavalli On Models

Everyone’s talking about the Observer Food Monthly interview with Roberto Cavalli, who talks about the Cavalli Selection wine from his vineyard in the Panzano region of Chianti.

It’s not the wine that’s stirring things up, however. It’s what he says about models.

In the interview, Cavalli criticizes professional models, particularly Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell. He describes Moss as “not having what it takes to be a true star,” and goes on to say, “There are thousands of models like all the other thousands of models. Naomi Campbell is the same way.”

This is a time when successful models like Moss are exploring their own clothing lines and creating empires of mass followings. Younger successors like Ali Michael, Chanel Iman and Karlie Kloss are becoming major celebrities and household names. Many in fashion say that the idea of the supermodel being portrayed as a unique character is reemerging.

So it’s interesting and a little disconcerting to hear Cavalli, a reputable high-fashion designer, say that “models are just pieces of wood that I carve to make clothes look beautiful.”

Let’s stay tuned for the response from the industry.
-Grace Bahk