Some fragrances whisper, leaving a subtle trail behind you, and some shout, commanding attention, leaving a lasting impression long after you have left the room. Roberto Cavalli Serpentine is that scent. Its look-at-me aesthetic complements the maximalist style of this brilliant Italian fashion designer, who has spent over six decades building a brand for the unapologetically sultry woman.
If you like a bold, woody, floral scent, editor Trudi Brewer shares a perfume that perfectly blends sensuality and strength.
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If fragrance has the power to impress and influence, designer fragrance takes it up a notch. The latest features the brand's signature serpent motif, deeply rooted in the fashion house's DNA.
Representing glamour, danger, and temptation, the serpent on the bottle of this new scent is the gatekeeper of a woody floral aroma, which we think will become addictive.
Born in Florence, Roberto Cavalli founded the brand in the 70s. From humble beginnings, it grew into a globally recognised and well-respected luxury fashion, accessories, and home décor brand.
While Roberto Cavalli passed away in 2024, his legacy lives on in his creativity and love of nature. He once cheekily said, “I copy the dress of an animal because I love to copy God. I think God is the most fantastic designer.” The house is renowned for slinky animal-print dresses and the exquisitely crafted serpentine handbag, featuring the snake motif that symbolises untamed, exotic beauty.
This new perfume is nothing short of a statement piece. The golden serpent coiled seductively around the curved, stark white bottle, symbolising strength and allure - a designer touch you can remove and wear.
What’s in it?
Coined a woody-floral with a smooth musky dry-down, from the first spritz, it’s uplifting and creamy all at once. The green burst of blackcurrant, bergamot, and creamy saffron is spiked with lavender, jasmine sambac, and magnolia, a nod to this fragrance’s floral heart. But its lasting aroma is bold and vibrant, like the fashion, a blend of vanilla, patchouli and a synthetic sensual skin accord. A nice reminder of those high-slit silk dresses featuring cheetah, zebra, or even giraffe prints, all a nod to Cavalli’s famous adage that more is more, when it comes to accessories, including fragrance.
Roberto Cavalli Serpentine Parfum, available in 30ml for $95 or 100ml for $189.
Why do we like it?
Detail is also in Cavalli’s DNA. The serpent motif on this fragrance is an elegant touch, a detachable bracelet, transforming from decorative detail into wearable art, a double reminder once on your wrist that fragrance like jewels are and always will be the ultimate accessory. This jewel-like perfume perfectly reflects Roberto Cavalli’s signature: bold, unapologetic, and utterly luxurious.
The signs to watch out for, here.