In 1978, Brunello Cucinelli got his start in the fashion industry by selling 53 sweaters made from brightly coloured cashmere.
Today, you won’t find many vivid shades in the collections by the man now known as the King of Cashmere.
These days, the Italian brand’s designs generally revolve around a casual-meets-tailored aesthetic, and are mostly rendered in a neutral, nature-inspired palette. Think tailored jackets paired with technicalfabric vests, or a hoodie jacket thrown over a navy pinstripe suit. It’s functional, quality clothing for those who don’t want to think too hard about fashion, yet want to look stylish in their busy lives.
But make no mistake, the brand certainly has new tricks up its sleeve.
These innovations are tastefully and subtly executed – in fact, its collection of reversible, hand-finished outerwear has become one of the signatures of the company.
Reversible clothing is not a new idea, but Brunello Cucinelli does it more skilfully than most. Whichever side you wear it, this bomber jacket looks wonderfully finished. This is made possible by a fabric-making technique that weaves two fabrics together on a special loom, creating double fabrics of different colours or patterns.
The brand is synonymous with cashmere, a soft wool derived from the lush undercoat of cashmere goats.
Tucked beneath the goats’ outer and longer coat, these fine and soft fibres protect the creatures during harsh winters. Shepherds harvest the cashmere in spring by gently brushing the undercoat.
Thanks to the way the double fabric is constructed, this jacket does not require any lining. It is also carefully hand-finished so that both sides of the garment do not reveal the underside of any stitches. Other noteworthy details: The contrasting cuffs and collar, both of which are made from cashmere; as well as heavy-duty zips that ensure smooth fastening whichever way this reversible jacket is worn.
