Renato Semerari is certain he has "strengthened" the Roberto Cavalli brand.
Roberto Cavalli
The CEO of the luxury brand is confident his restructuring of the fashion label to make it more appealing to a younger audience, part of which saw him recruit Emilio Pucci's former creative director, Peter Dundas in 2015, has refreshed the perception of the business.
Speaking to WWD.com about his strategy for the Florence-based company, Renato - who joined the fashion house last year - said: "It was an important message, aiming for a younger customer and more ready-to-wear for the day, but the response was varied. February's show was much better.
"We'll see what happens with the facts, but we believe that the message of a young woman, the rebalance of day-wear and evening-wear has remained and we've strengthened the luxury component. We've received a positive response from press and clients alike."
Cavalli - which was taken under the wing of Clessidra SGR Spa - the leading manager of private equity funds dedicated to the Italian market - after negotiations last year, has seen the brand spread its wings globally and launch a wholesale channel in America, as well as a re-designed website and e-commerce site, with future plans to invest in their weaker menswear and accessories sectors, and to widen its appeal to Asian markets.
Although Roberto Cavalli -which was founded by the Italian designer of the same name - has seen a heightened interest, Renato insists the rebuilding job he has to do on the brand still has a long way to go.
He said: "We don't expect 2016 to be brilliant; it will be similar to 2015. The first half will be difficult, but we will see signs of improvement in the second half. We are investing in the medium-term."