L’HISTOIRE: Devon Aoki’s Nude Roberto Cavalli Dress in 2003
First cementing her it-girl status in the 2000s, Devon Aoki’s figure-hugging Roberto Cavalli dress is not only just a staple on moodboards. It also represents the magic of Cavalli’s understated elegance and signature sensuality of Cavalli’s magic.
L’HISTOIRE explores fashion history moments you should know, from what actors wore on a red carpet to celebrities who made cameos on the runway. Some are unsung, and some are better known. Each is part of the fabric of today’s fashion world, be it barrier breakers or culture makers.
Devon Aoki’s influence on fashion remains strong to this day. After all, she was a model and muse for legendary designers like Karl Lagerfeld. Her modeling career took off at just 13 years old when she was discovered at a rock concert, leading to a breakthrough moment when walking in a Chanel show in 1998. Aoki embodied the bold and eclectic fashion of the era, from strutting for luxury brands like Versace and Loewe to pivoting to acting with her film debut in 2 Fast 2 Furious.
Just months after that film debut, Aoki stepped out to join the Lancôme Resolution skincare launch party in 2003 in Paris, where she donned a nude mini dress by Roberto Cavalli. It featured an asymmetrical hemline and a delicate botanical lace pattern, along with a laced-up bodice cinching her waist. The dress, from the Spring/Summer 2003 ready-to-wear collection, exudes an understated elegance and Cavalli's signature sensuality.
Her styling elevated the look further. Gold-toned accessories—a sleek clutch and strappy open-toe heels—played off the flesh-tone of the dress, while her beauty choices added a modern, polished edge. She embraced a minimal makeup look, spotlighting a glossy plum lip and a soft flush on the cheeks. Her long curls, artfully tousled, framed her face and added a touch of effortless glamour.
Aoki’s ability to merge high fashion with an easy, wearable aesthetic was key in her appeal to many and largely contributed to her icon status. She was a defining face of the late '90s and early aughts, after all, being an it-girl both on and off the runway. Be it ultra low-rise denim, lace-up trousers, or scantily clad mini dresses like this Cavalli number, her style captured the Y2K era's playful spirit. Her sense of style coupled with Cavalli’s timeless allure makes her choice, to this day, a sartorial inspiration.
The late designer, who passed away April 2024, continues to leave an indelible mark on fashion thanks to his groundbreaking work. Renowned for his striking designs and innovative textile techniques, Cavalli emerged as both a creative visionary and a cultural icon. His red carpet creations—worn by stars like Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Bella Hadid—remain era-defining and iconic. As maximalist Y2K styles resurge, his designs are once again in the spotlight as enduring symbols of his extraordinary legacy.
To emulate the skin-tight number, go for something with shaping in the bodice (like House of CB's Laetitia dress) to accentuate the waistline and flatter your shape. For something that resembles the botanical element, choose a dainty number with vintage floral motifs (like Bronx and Banco's frock). Pair this with a gold clutch and strappy heels like Aoki did to complement the neutral tones of the dress. Adopt a minimal makeup style with a glossy plum lip and a gentle flush on the cheeks. Create an artfully tousled hairstyle that frames your face with a hint of effortless elegance.
