Brunello Cucinelli
Brunello Cucinelli (Italian pronunciation: [bruˈnɛllo kutʃiˈnɛlli]; born 3 September 1953 in Castel Rigone) is an Italian luxury creative director and the executive chairman of his eponymous made in Italy brand, Brunello Cucinelli.[1] He has been described as a "philosopher-designer".[2]
Early life and education
[edit | edit source]Cucinelli grew up in a rural agricultural community outside of Perugia.[3] His childhood home had no electricity or running water.[4] Cucinelli dropped out of engineering school at age 24,[5] choosing instead to read philosophical texts on his own.[5]
Career
[edit | edit source]Cucinelli's first product was cashmere wool sweaters in bright colors.[5] In 1977 he started making dyed cashmere in a small workshop. He founded Brunello Cucinelli SpA in 1978 with the Italian lira equivalent of about $550;[6] after the initial public offering of Brunello Cucinelli SpA his personal net worth exceeded $1 billion.[6]
In June 2025, due to the ownership of 50.05% of the shares of his namesake company,[7] Cucinelli had a personal net worth of approximately $4.4 billion.[8]
Philanthropy
[edit | edit source]In 2018, Cucinelli raised €100 million for charity by selling 6% of his shares.[9] Through his foundation, he has funded the restoration of the village of Solomeo and several monuments across the surrounding valley.[10]
Architecture
[edit | edit source]Cucinelli believes that architecture "needs to symbolize higher meanings besides serving a material purpose."[11] He collaborated on the re-design and expansion of Solomeo with Italian architect Massimo de Vico.[12] In 2021, Cucinelli announced that he would again be partnering with de Vico to transform one of Solomeo's 18th-century villas into a "Universal Library" that will carry books on philosophy, architecture, literature, poetry and craftsmanship.[13]
Awards and honors
[edit | edit source]- Leonardo Prize[5]
- Honorary degree in philosophy and human relationships ethics from University of Perugia[14]
- Cavaliere del lavoro – Italian Order of Merit for Labour in 2010[15]
- Premio Guido Carli, 2011[16]
- Pitti Immagine Uomo prize
- Fashion Group International, Fashion Star Honoree Award, October 2014[17]
- Global Economy Prize for “Honorable Merchant” from the Government of Germany[18]
- America Award of the Italy-USA Foundation in 2019
Personal life
[edit | edit source]Cucinelli is married to his hometown sweetheart Federica,[19] and the couple have two daughters: Camilla and Carolina.[20]
References
[edit | edit source]- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Why Brunello Cucinelli Is Worth the Price (Hint: It’s Not Just the Cashmere) Michael Williams, GQ SEPTEMBER 18, 2017
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- ^ Imran Amed, CEO Talk | Brunello Cucinelli, Founder and Chief Executive, Brunello Cucinelli July 1, 2014
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- ^ Brunello Cucinelli italiansongs.org March 2014
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- ^ LAURA RYSMAN, How to Host a Relaxed Dinner Party Like an Italian The New York Times 2017/06/15
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External links
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