Fashion Designer Brunello Cucinelli on culture with a conscience
A philosopher at heart, cashmere king Brunello Cucinelli espouses “humanistic capitalism.” Calling for “dignity and respect” in business, he believes in higher-than-average pay for his employees and a no-email-after-office-hours policy.
The executive chairman and creative director of the Italian luxury fashion label that bears his name recently hosted his 70th birthday celebration — attended by 500 friends, including Martha Stewart, Vanessa Kirby and Patrick Dempsey — in the medieval Umbrian hamlet of Solomeo, where his company is based.
He has dedicated years to restoring the picturesque town, where he lives with his wife, Federica, close to daughters Carolina and Camilla, and their families. Here, he shares with Alexa his much-loved antiques, books and new scents.
“When I travel, I carry with me a classic men’s scarf. It is lightweight and refined, with a unique soft touch.”
Cashmere and silk scarf (similar), $1,150 at Brunello Cucinelli
“I believe a well-tailored suit is the most important item in a man’s wardrobe. It can be formal or more relaxed, but always elegant in feel. The fit is key and fabrics should be light, to allow comfort and movement. This Prince of Wales linen-blend style is especially versatile. I wear it with a white T-shirt and sneakers but also with a button shirt and tie, and always feel dressed in a chic way.”
Cavallo Prince of Wales blazer $5,995, and trousers, $2,000, both at Brunello Cucinelli
“Since I was a young man I have had the habit of taking notes, writing only in pencil. It is part of my way of life, and it allows me to think back about important moments that I’ve lived and thoughts that mattered during a specific time. I often read them back and it helps me to enjoy the passing of time and all its memories. It is a form of self-care. The small Moleskine I always carry with me, with a pencil, are my lifelong travel companions.”
Notebook, $25 at Moleskine
“Among the things I cherish the most is a classic leather suitcase that I keep in my office. It has a simple, essential, timeless design. Certain objects remind me of books I have read and characters in them. Looking at this leather suitcase, I think of [Immanuel] Kant and his description of the global citizen. I am also reminded of another great writer that I am very fond of, Franz Kafka, and his novel ‘Amerika.’ ”
Crouch & Fitzgerald suitcase (similar), $395 at 1stDibs
“In my office, I always have a magnifying glass nearby. It is an indispensable object without which I could not see the finest cashmere fibers [or] the quality of our raw material. Always available and a great collaborator which allows me to perform my role in a more accurate way.”
Copper-mounted tabletop magnifier, $68 at Etsy
“Our precious wine is the fruit of a long-term project of care and guardianship of our territory. In order to obtain this refined blend, we dedicated 5 hectares of land in Solomeo to the vines. I like to believe that while tasting our wine, people will experience the beauty of our land, the gentle rhythm of our seasons and the flavor of things made with care and love.”
Castello di Solomeo 2018 cabernet sangiovese, $1,283 (for 3 bottles) at Fine+Rare
“I am a soccer fan and have been an admirer of the sport for many years. I especially praise the talent of a real champion inside and out, Johan Cruyff. Soccer is an art form, in my opinion, and among all the soccer balls I have collected through the years, my favorite one is a classic soccer ball, without logos, made of dark leather. Gorgeous in its simplicity and a symbol of perfect design.”
Retro leather soccer ball (similar), $90 at Modest Vintage Player
“Our new fragrance was created as a natural continuation of the concept of elegance set by our fashion maison year after year. Some time ago, after the passing of a dear friend, a producer of aromatic essences, I dreamt that one day I would dedicate a product to his memory. It is a personal and dear project for us. The fragrance is a blend of ancient Asian and modern Western accents, and I like the idea of its connection to Italy and its unique taste which is so appreciated around the world.”
Brunello Cucinelli “Pour Homme” and “Pour Femme” eau de parfum sprays, $210 each (for 3.4 oz.) at Saks Fifth Avenue
“I have always loved the book ‘Meditations’ by Marcus Aurelius, which I own in various editions and a very special one from the 1700s. I am fascinated by this man: a philosopher, shaped by the Stoic school of Seneca, and called to lead an entire empire at a young age. He was the first to embody the rules of life that he would like others around him to follow. I often ponder his words, and I am reminded to live following the laws of nature, to lean on humanity and to project thinking about eternity while living each day as if it were my last.”
“Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius, $15 at Amazon
“For Castelluccio di Norcia, we worked on a project proposal, which offers the opportunity for this special place to regain its original dignity. The idea is a project that will be in perfect harmony with the region and the genius loci of Castelluccio, with unique aspects that would support the healing of this town that endured such difficult hardships, caused by devastating earthquakes.”
Castelluccio di Norcia restoration project
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