Brunello Cucinelli: New York Post
Brunello Cucinelli is famous for creating the most sumptuous of cashmeres. But after 36 years in the business, the luxury Italian designer has done so much more than that.
When he’s not dressing Blake Lively, Rachel Weisz and even Prince William, he’s heavily involved in philanthropic work — restoring the charming Italian villa where he’s based his company.
Plus his business continues to flourish. So, what’s his secret?
“The soul of the brand should always stay the same,” says Cucinelli. “Every six months we introduce new contemporary styles, but our relationship with color and silhouette remain constant. We started with cashmere sweaters and now we have a total look pertaining to elegant sportswear.”
Brunello Cucinelli was born in Castel Rigone in 1953. Originally an engineering student, Cucinelli left the University of Perugia to pursue his cashmere business once the colorful sweaters he sold at small boutiques around town became popular. The Italian maison has been growing steadily ever since, with 105 boutiques worldwide, including two in New York; Bergdorf Goodman and Saks also carry his wares.
What’s more, the 61-year-old designer sets himself apart by focusing primarily on his prêt-à-porter collection, while most companies thrive off their accessory sales. In 2013, the company reported a $410 million profit — 15 percent growth over the previous year, with accessories accounting for only 15 percent of the sales.
Perhaps the answer lies in the designer’s ability to fill the daywear niche with his sporty-chic style and consistency. Cucinelli steers toward neutral palates, timelessness and comfort.
“Keep it beautiful and simple. You don’t need logos, huge accents or bright prints. Quality speaks for itself,” the designer says.
Behind Cucinelli’s coveted signature knits, boxy crepe joggers and mink bomber jackets lies the designer’s inspiration and true passion: the rural village of Solomeo. Since 1985, the designer has reinvested a portion of his profits to restore this rural, 12th-century town into a neoclassical haven where Cucinelli and nearly half of his 1,170 employees reside.
It’s about more than just providing a space for business — it’s about surrounding his workers with beauty by converting the town’s castle into his own factory. And it’s about inspiring creativity with a work/life balance by erecting a “forum of arts” with a theater, an amphitheater and a multilingual library.
Cucinelli believes what’s good for the village is good for fashion. He explains: “What we really need is for manual work and craftsmanship to be provided once again with more economic dignity.”
Read my article in the NY Post here: Brunello Cucinelli
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