Valentina Perissi: From Roberto Cavalli to DAFNE Italy – A Visionary Journey in Fashion Art

After being discovered in Italy at a young age for her exceptional talent in fashion design, Valentina Perissi spent a decade working with the iconic fashion house Roberto Cavalli. Her creative prowess caught the attention of leading U.S. designers, leading to an opportunity in New York City, where she collaborated with Kimora Lee Simmons on brands such as KLS and Baby Phat.

Over the past twelve years, Perissi has lent her expertise to various renowned fashion labels, including Ramy Brook, Jessica Simpson, Patricia Field for Art Basel Miami, and Roc Nation.

Recognizing a need to support emerging designers, she founded Perissi Management, a fashion consultancy firm dedicated to helping young brands scale and establish their presence in the competitive industry.

“After years of working with established fashion houses, I launched Perissi Management to assist emerging brands with design, sales, brand management, and merchandising. I believe in fostering creativity and connection, encouraging designers to host trunk shows, pop-ups, and events to engage their audience. Fashion isn’t just about selling a product—it’s about sharing a story,” Perissi explains.

Drawing from her experience at Roberto Cavalli and Roc Nation, Perissi has now launched her own brand, DAFNE Italy. Named after her middle name, the brand is a fusion of art and fashion, offering wearable art pieces such as hand-painted leather jackets, bags, jewelry, and clothing, all crafted in Italy. “The fashion industry is highly saturated, so I wanted to create something unique. My collection, ‘Art That You Can Wear,’ empowers people, making them feel invincible—like modern-day wizards donning their armor. Many celebrities and business leaders are drawn to my designs because they are customizable, one-of-a-kind pieces made with the finest materials,” she shares.

Perissi’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident from her early years. Reflecting on how she secured her first internship at Cavalli while still a college freshman, she recalls, “I was studying in Florence and dreaming of working for Roberto Cavalli, who was creating groundbreaking collections in my hometown. I was designing accessories for myself—pieces with feathers and Swarovski crystals—when I attended a high-profile fashion party. Two individuals admired my work and asked where I had purchased them. When I told them I had made them myself, they invited me to meet their company, which turned out to be Roberto Cavalli. I began as one of 15 interns competing for just two full-time positions. After six months, I secured my role and remained there for ten years, eventually becoming a creative director.”

New York City has always held a special place in Perissi’s heart. “As a child, I was mesmerized by New York and promised myself that I’d live there one day. My career eventually brought me to the U.S. when I started working with Kimora Lee Simmons, but my love for the city made me stay,” she says.

A defining moment in her career was when her designs for Roberto Cavalli were featured on ‘Sex and the City’ by stylist Patricia Field. “Seeing my work on characters like Carrie and Samantha was surreal. It was a full-circle moment—my designs connected the legacy of Italian fashion with the dynamic culture of New York City.”

With DAFNE Italy, Valentina Perissi is redefining the intersection of art and fashion, offering a line that is as personal as it is innovative. Her journey from an ambitious young designer in Florence to a leader in the global fashion industry is a testament to her passion, resilience, and commitment to artistic expression.

Content courtesy of NFH Digital Team