"We are always very inspired by the world of animals and the snake represents a symbol of temptation," explained Cavalli to the assembled group.

Featuring a musk and amber base, the fragrance is packed with spices, and a long list of floral notes such as rose, freesia, wild orchid and magnolia.

The result, according to Cavalli, is "fresh, floral and woody."

Consistent with the "more is more" Cavalli philosophy, the rose-colored liquid is housed in a long, slender bottle brushed with silver python-like stripes and capped with a curled up viper in the shape of the signature "C".

The main eau de parfum is accompanied by a limited edition Boa luxury case (featuring an all crystal bottle), as well as four ancillary products: a bath & shower gel, body lotion, soap and deodorant.

Serpente debuts this September in Italy, Austria and Germany. The roll out will continue later in fall 2002 in England, Holland, Portugal, Spain, Eastern Europe, Russia, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Canada.

By 2003, the goal is to reach 60 countries, including the U.S.

The launch will be accompanied by an advertising campaign, shot by Mario Testino, that features a very bare model sprawled in the desert sand and entwined with a large boa.

The new women's fragrance represents the first step towards building a complete beauty business for the house of Cavalli. Together with partner Itf (the fragrance licensing arm of It Holding), Cavalli also plans to debut a men's scent in 2003 as well as a makeup line in 2005.

Also in the pipeline is a 2004 fragrance launch for the Just Cavalli line, which would target a younger consumer.