Brunello Cucinelli was recently awarded the Global Economy Prize by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, a prestigious German think tank that ranks among the top research centers in international economics. He received a mention as Honorable Merchant. “I felt humbled,” he said. “They’ve acknowledged all that’s at the heart of my entire work ethic, of my entire life. Respect, humanity, fairness. I was so moved, the night after the ceremony I couldn't sleep!”
Cucinelli’s collections are as consistent as his personal style, which hasn’t changed much throughout the years. He really owns it. It’s a special blend of not-so-informal informal. He’s never without a well-tailored, well-lived-in blazer, fitted just so but comfortable as a shirt; he likes his pants at ankle length, no socks! Sometimes a tie. Often a T-shirt replaces a formal shirt. The color blue. During his collections’ presentations, he can easily be mistaken for one of the models, who are usually people working for him at his headquarters in Solomeo, or his friends, or friends of friends. He’s definitely the best fashion advertising for his label.
His new collection had a warm feel—sporty-chic with a sunny vibe. Cucinelli referred to the movie Out of Africa as an inspiration; double-breasted blazers and safari-inspired jackets were fitted, cut with soft precision, and came in a variety of hyper-lightweight fabrics, like a linen normally used for shirting. The color palette was sensual; hues of tobacco, iroko wood, and amber were spiced up with flashes of burnt orange, red, corn, and purple. As usual, execution was impeccable, yet details had a feel of the artisanal; they were a celebration of the human touch, so dear to Cucinelli.
