Roberto Cavalli may be heading into new ownership talks again, with reports that American Marquee Brands has emerged as the frontrunner to take a stake in the Italian luxury house currently controlled by Dubai’s DAMAC Group. While no deal has been finalised, the potential transaction would add a high profile European fashion name to American Marquee Brands’ portfolio and mark the latest chapter in Roberto Cavalli’s long running restructuring story.
Marquee Brands moves into pole position
American Marquee Brands is in the first position to take control of Roberto Cavalli, although negotiations are ongoing and the structure of any deal is not yet confirmed. Italian industry coverage cited by CPP Luxury suggests that one scenario under discussion would see American Marquee Brands acquire a minority stake rather than full control, leaving DAMAC Group with a significant interest, especially in real estate linked ventures.
The talks come after months of strategic reflection, with Roberto Cavalli exploring strategic alliances and potential external partners to support growth. Sources said that the brand’s recognisable name, global awareness and lifestyle potential, spanning fashion, accessories and brand extensions, make it attractive to brand management players like American Marquee Brands that specialise in licensing and expansion.
A brand reshaped by DAMAC
The current owner of Roberto Cavalli is Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani, whose investment vehicle Vision Investments (part of Auriel Investment, affiliated with DAMAC Group) took over 100% of the business in 2019 after the label filed for bankruptcy in Italy and the United States. The deal was reportedly valued at around €160 million, combining creditor payments and new investment to relaunch the house.
Since then, DAMAC Group has used Roberto Cavalli not only as a fashion label but as a full lifestyle brand, anchoring real estate and hospitality projects such as Cavalli Tower in Dubai and branded residences that leverage the house’s glamorous aesthetic. Italian reports reported the group has considered separating the fashion division from these more profitable property ventures, potentially retaining control of real estate projects even if a stake in the fashion business is sold.
Strategic partnerships and shifting signals
“Cavalli is working to find the best avenue for growth, which includes exploring strategic alliances… This process will be carried out with the participation of all relevant shareholders,” the company said in a statement.
However, by July 2025, the owner moved to publicly quash speculation that the brand was on the block, emphasising that Roberto Cavalli was not for sale while still remaining open to strategic partners. Analysts quoted in Italian press said that, despite creative momentum under Creative Director Fausto Puglisi and restructuring efforts led by CEO Sergio Azzolari, the fashion business continued to face pressure from losses and a weakened wholesale and licensing base.
Why Marquee Brands is interested now
Based in the United States, American Marquee Brands focuses on acquiring and scaling consumer and fashion labels via licensing, category extensions, and international expansion, making distressed but recognisable names like Roberto Cavalli a strategic fit. Italian business outlet Modaes reports that the platform has now positioned itself as the leading candidate in discussions around Roberto Cavalli, after previously monitoring the situation alongside other potential investors.
Industry observers said a potential partnership or minority acquisition could give Roberto Cavalli fresh capital and operational expertise in product and retail, while allowing DAMAC Group to refocus on real estate ventures that use the brand’s name. For American Marquee Brands, the deal would add an iconic Italian luxury label with strong heritage in eveningwear, animal prints, and red carpet glamour to its stable, which could be leveraged across apparel, accessories, home, and hospitality.
What’s next for the Cavalli brand?
So far, neither DAMAC Group nor American Marquee Brands has announced a definitive agreement, and reports stress that the operation is still not closed, with structures ranging from minority investment to broader control still on the table. Any deal will need to balance the fashion house’s turnaround needs with the value of its name in real estate and lifestyle projects, where DAMAC has heavily invested in recent years.
If negotiations advance, Roberto Cavalli could become the latest example of a European luxury label moving under the stewardship of a brand management group, mirroring a wider industry trend where heritage names are monetised through global licensing and collaborations. For now, the fashion world will be watching Milan, Dubai, and New York closely to see whether American Marquee Brands ultimately takes a stake in one of Italy’s most recognisable, if turbulent, luxury houses.
