Though flowery phrases studded with the words ‘opulent’, ‘jet-set’ and ‘exotic’ come straight to mind when pondering the question of who the Cavalli man is, there’s no literary prowess required here. Getting down to it? He’s Roberto Cavalli.

The man lives and breathes his own philosophy so it’s unsurprising that upon returning to the design helm for FW14 he would employ a rich focus on his own love of drama and maximalism. A rock and roll-tinged needle injected the collection with the smoky flavour of music and excess, and as seen in these exclusive live-shot images from the show, Cavalli was present in everything from painterly brush stroke motifs to the designer’s own landscape photography cast across fine shirting.

Lit with the creative fire of art’s enduring influence on its founder and smouldering with the stories of a transient life lived, Cavalli menswear burns a heavy shadow. And as the designer here explains, it’s this magnetism – between the artisanal and the exotic – that encapsulates the Cavalli man, cut from the creed he at its helm lives by.

Tempe Nakiska: FW14 seemed to fix quite an opulent take on exotics – leathers, animal textures and prints. Where do these types of influences descend from?
Roberto Cavalli: I have always been extremely fond of exotic materials, they have always inspired my visions and creations. I feel that they perfectly represent the true Cavalli essence in terms of elegance and opulence. Exotic textures, prints and leathers exalt the Roberto Cavalli man in his artistic ways. A free-spirited gentleman and dreamer, the Roberto Cavalli man is nomadic in his ways and artistic in his wardrobe, but always remains impeccably dressed.

TN: What is one experience or lesson from your growing up years that you still carry with you today?
RC: Absolutely always be true to yourself, your style and always trust your own judgement. That is by far the most important lesson I have learned throughout the years, one which every designer should follow. Challenging yourself to be different and unique are a key to success.

TN: In what ways do you continue to push your own limits – in design and your own life?
RC: I love challenges and am constantly looking to push my limits, both in my personal and in my professional life. Creating and conceptualising new ideas and designs day after day can be difficult at times, it is no easy task. Keeping my passion alive and maintaining confidence and perseverance are the elements that allow me to continuously push my own limits.

TN: Do you live in the moment or plan for the future?
RC: I would say both. I am a very passionate person and strongly believe in living the moment and living your life to the fullest. Nevertheless at the same time planning is crucial. Having long-term thoughts, objectives and plans allows you to improve yourself and always work towards something…

TN: How important are new experiences for living a full life?
RC: They are everything. As I was saying before, a life not lived to the fullest, which naturally means new experiences, is not well lived.

TN: You come from a lineage of creative, art-influenced people – how does this translate to the clothes?
RC: My first impression of fashion as a young boy was art… I used to love the idea of transforming art into reality. After all fashion itself is very personal form of artistic impression.

TN: How have you found the experience of taking the menswear design reigns again?
RC: It was like going back in time and rediscovering the youthful roots of my beginnings. It has been extremely interesting, inspiring and enticing. It challenges me and I love nothing more than breaking boundaries and see what I can do next!

TN: The Cavalli lifestyle is one of travel, exotic places, it is fast paced. Can the Cavalli man ever be static?
RC: No never! A Cavalli man could never be static, he is an explorer and therefor always on the move!

TN: You are an avid collector of art. How does art continue to inspire you today?
RC: Art has, does and always will inspire me. It is part of my life and my personality. It enriches my mentality and gives new meaning and new ways to approach the world.

TN: What is the last piece of art that truly blew you away?
RC: My hometown of Florence has always been the ‘piece of art’ which blows me away. It’s a city built around the cult of art, tradition and history, most of which is displayed in one of most beautiful museums in the world, the Uffizi. Florence has always greatly inspired and motivated me throughout my life and my career.

The last piece of art that I collected came from an artist from Tuscany, Pietrasanta, his name is Piero Giannoni and he is one of the few mosaic makers, which is a shame because it is such an incredibile art. His artwork employs an ancient mosaic technique which dates back to 3000 BC. Piero Giannoni creates his mosaics using fragments of Murano glass with the skill and patience of those times. It is my pleasure and honour to have a portrait made by him.

TN: Who do you learn from most today?
RC: I learn most from nature, art, photography, my family and everything which connects to my life and my passions. Learning is essential to me and I want to apply everything I learn to my collections.

TN: What is your everyday philosophy?
RC: Never stop believing in yourself and always work towards realising your dreams!