Why Every Woman Should Own At Least One Thing From Brunello Cucinelli
The timeless collection is a cut above the rest.
Aptly crowned the “King of Cashmere”, Italian designer Brunello Cucinelli first carved a niche in coloured cashmere sweaters when he made his first jumper in 1978 and founded his eponymous brand the following year. By injecting colour into the world of traditionally beige and grey cashmere, Brunello Cucinelli introduced the rainbow and revolutionised the market.
Carolina Cucinelli, Brunello Cucinelli and Camilia Cucinelli (Photo: Courtesy)
Valuing craftsmanship and skilled artistry, the brand’s mission is to create quality garments that last for a lifetime. The value of each handmade garment often cannot be measured by its cost. A single sweater, for example, can take up to 20 hours to make by hand, requiring both precious time and dexterous skill.
Every stitch is made in Solomeo, the 14th century Perugian hamlet which Brunello Cucinelli himself revived and where his clothing empire is based. Headquartered within a medieval castle which the fashion baron had personally restored over the past few decades, everything is handmade right here.
Solomeo, the 14th century Perugian hamlet which Brunello Cucinelli himself revived and where his clothing empire is based. (Photo: Brunello Cucinelli)
The brand first started with womenswear but has since expanded to include menswear. Today, the fashion empire boasts about 2,000 “thinking souls”—as the designer likes to call his employees—who produce the unmistakable signature cashmere garments that have made Brunello Cucinelli famous around the globe.
Sisters Behind The Scenes
In true family tradition, Brunello’s two daughters, Camilla and Carolina, capably helm the business that bears their father’s namesake.
Naturally, fashion comes as second nature to both sisters. Having grown up immersed in its culture since they were young, it is no surprise that the little girls who once made outfits for their dolls out of fabric scraps from daddy’s studio are now cutting the cloth for real.
Camilla Cucinelli, 39, has been involved with the business for the past 16 years. She is currently co-head of the woman style office and a Board member of Brunello Cucinelli SpA, while her younger sister Carolina Cucinelli, 30, is Co-President, Co-Creative Director and a Board member who manages all activities of the brand, with a special focus on the children’s and home collections. Incidentally, Camilla’s husband Riccardo Stefanelli is the CEO in charge of product development and operations.
Of their work, Camilla says: “Since we were born and bred in this world, the company and the place itself (Solomeo) are the foundation of who we are.”
“It is important for us that our garments last forever,” Carolina says, of the brand’s values. “I still have sweaters that date back 40 years and I’d love to pass them on again. I like the idea of buying less, but buying something with a story to tell, that will be passed on to future generations.”
What’s New for Fall/Winter 2021
Brunello Cucinelli never disappoints with its inimitable knitwear. Made with cashmere, wool, silk, alpaca and mohair, the Fall/Winter 2021 collection includes fluid and lightweight coats, blazers, down jackets and matching set to knitted dresses, all-over looks and twin sets.
Photo: Brunello Cucinelli
Photo: Brunello Cucinelli
Photo: Brunello Cucinelli
Photo: Brunello Cucinelli
Showcasing malfilé, tweed and checks in classic colours, the new season’s vibe is casual chic, where fashion marries functionality in a palette of timeless hues. Embodying the principles of sustainability—the antithesis of fast fashion—every piece is carefully handcrafted using modern embroidery inspired by traditional patterns.
Of course, apparel is not the only thing that sets the brand apart—its exquisite bags, accessories and shoes are also a testament to its high standards of excellence. Even A-list celebrities are such as Jennifer Lopez, Oprah Winfrey and Jessica Alba are big fans of Brunello Cucinelli.
In fact, for Jennifer Lopez’s latest photoshoot for her skincare line, JLo Beauty, the pop star donned a flattering Brunello Cucinelli suit featuring trousers which balanced tailoring tropes with a tracksuit cuff detail in a neutral palette.
Talk show host Oprah Winfrey is also a devoted fan, having flaunted an eye-catching Brunello Cucinelli “Flounce” Tartan Crispy Silk Chiffon Skirt from the Spring 2018 collection for the premiere of her movie, A Wrinkle In Time.
Even Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg is a regular client. Believe it or not, his signature monotone grey T-shirts are actually custom-ordered from Brunello Cucinelli!
Ahead, shop some key pieces from Brunello Cucinelli’s fall/winter 2021 collection.