Brunello Cucinelli

On 7th December in Puyuan, in the Zhejiang province, Brunello Cucinelli received the prestigious 2023 “Designer of the Year” award from the renowned men's fashion magazine GQ China. Brunello Cucinelli was presented with the award by famous Chinese model He Cong and Roger Lynch, Global Chief Executive Officer of Condé Nast, for "standing out as a trendsetter in fashion and lifestyle". After receiving the prestigious Neiman Marcus Fashion Award in Paris in March, Brunello Cucinelli has now gained another very important recognition for the values of high craftsmanship and the dignity of manual labour, in the name of Italian genius and the values of Humanistic Capitalism and Human Sustainability. Brunello Cucinelli commented as follows: ‘I am deeply honoured by the “Men of the Year 2023” award presented to me by the prestigious men's fashion magazine GQ China in the fascinating setting of Puyuan and it is with delight that I thank the entire GQ team, starting from Roger Lynch, Will Welch, Gill Zhou to Rocco Liu. The past two years have been very special for the life of our Casa di Moda, years brightened by moving events – such as the invitation to speak at the G20 summit in Rome – as well as by prestigious awards, such as the one presented in London by British GQ and the “Neiman Marcus Fashion Award” received in Paris. I dedicate this accolade to all the youth of mankind, and to them I say: act as sentinels of Creation, do not turn your backs on poverty, seek harmony between profit and giving back, balance your time between soul, mind and body, and smile at life! When your soul is heavy, when something fails you, when someone humiliates you, go out into the open, raise your eyes to the sky and you will find serenity again’.

Yesterday, in Penne, Brunello Cucinelli officially presented an important project developed by the Solomeo-based Casa di Moda, whose aim is the establishment of a new, "beautiful factory" to manufacture men's suits. The new plant will see the light of day in spring 2025 and will employ between 300 and 350 highly qualified artisan workers. In the presence of the Mayor Gilberto Petrucci and the President of the Abruzzo Region, Marco Marsilio, the Umbrian company thus formalised a commitment that had been discussed for some time in Penne, a town in Abruzzo whose reputation as a district of excellence in men's tailoring is recognised throughout the world. The project, in line with the ideals that have always inspired the Solomeo-based company, has the ambition of promoting this district through a long-term business vision in terms of both employment and the environment. Brunello Cucinelli commented as follows: "Penne is a special place, where the tradition of the finest Italian craftsmanship is best expressed in the production and manufacture of men's suits; this is why we would like to contribute to a bright future for this fine heritage, combining the excellent craftsmanship skills from Abruzzo and Umbria. We would like the new enterprise to always bestow economic and moral dignity on noble manual labour, and to become a symbolic place where we can train the youth to be entrusted with our future. We will strive to provide all the right conditions so that our craftsmen of today and tomorrow can renew the most fascinating Italian sartorial creativity, so greatly admired throughout the world".

On October 17, Saks Fifth Avenue in New York unveiled a special window display to celebrate 25 years of collaboration between the Brunello Cucinelli brand and the historic luxury department store. The ‘Solomeo Express’ train cars created a highly effective backdrop through the windows overlooking the iconic street in the heart of Manhattan. The train scenography represents the ideal link between Solomeo and New York, symbolizing the friendship and shared values that underpin the long partnership. Brunello Cucinelli, who attended the event along with Saks CEO Marc Metrick and Chief Merchandising Officer Tracy Margolies, commented: “To celebrate the delightful collaboration that has bound us to Saks, our highly esteemed American partner, for twenty-five years, we wanted to create an ‘imaginary train’ connecting New York – a city full of charm, always soaring towards the future – to our beloved Solomeo. Besides the wonder for the scenic, engaging and realistic effect conveyed by the windows overlooking Fifth Avenue, I see this representation as a symbol of the deep sharing of values and the great friendship that binds us to them. Heartfelt thanks to all the guests who honoured us with their presence in a friendly, celebratory evening. And thanks to our dearest friends Richard Baker, Marc Metrick, Tracy Margolies and all the people at Saks who make this collaboration so special.”

On Sunday evening, in the historic hamlet of Solomeo, Brunello Cucinelli celebrated his seventieth birthday, a special event attended by many friends, family, collaborators and guests. The evening was also an occasion to toast the many personal and professional dreams that have been fulfilled. It was a tribute to his philosophy of life, to the brand's values and history, and to the many projects dedicated to preserving the cultural and natural beauty that Solomeo represents. A special fashion show was held in the Amphitheatre of the Forum of the Arts: a collection of iconic creations from the Brunello Cucinelli men's and women's collections, specially selected to encapsulate the philosophical and aesthetic heritage of the Italian Casa di Moda. Brunello Cucinelli, grateful and touched by the affection of all those present, commented as follows: “If I had been asked as a boy, when I spent my days deep in nature, to imagine myself in the distant future, I couldn't have conceived a celebration like yesterday's and the emotion of an evening that will stay in my heart forever. How much affection and unspeakable joy, how many memories! And how many stars shone on my beloved Solomeo and my family, lifelong friends, loyal co-workers and welcome guests who toasted with me my seventy years lived in harmony with Creation. It was also a tribute to Humanistic Capitalism and Human Sustainability, which have enlightened my life and inspired our company. All this, together with this special corner of the world, reminded me of the enchantment of nature that I have always pursued and which will hopefully continue to inspire me for tomorrow's dreams. I am deeply touched by the gift I received, a beautiful statue of Apollo, a symbol of the immense genius of the ancient Greeks, from whom I learnt to love beauty. Thank you immensely”.

Letter on Artificial and Human Intelligence “Like so many inventions that have accompanied the history of mankind and facilitated its progress, I like to think of artificial intelligence as a new handmaiden that accompanies human beings to inspire and renew their genius and creativity. I imagine this new reality as similar to a breath that can revive the vital fire of our human mind. “Parva favilla magnam flammam secundat” - [“From a little spark may burst a flame”]. This is what Dante Alighieri thought, a humble invitation to posterity to follow the universal call of perennial human values. Recently, a major ethical initiative has been launched to solicit proposals for a shared artificial intelligence design. I look at such an intention with fascination, trepidation and hope, because it shows how everyone feels the need for a nomos similar to that which the ancient Greeks gave themselves as a rule for their social and political life. I expect the contemporary Leonardos of technology to look to humanistic values as the source of their creations, for only in this way the results will be imbued with them and artificial intelligence will achieve the highest levels of good for mankind. Throughout their history, human beings have always imagined that they could create machines and automatons to free themselves from the heaviest and most repetitive tasks. It seems, therefore, if not to be feared, that artificial intelligence is to be prized for all the benefits it can bring to the world, to the extent that it can liberate man from the material burdens of present-day life, returning to him the dimension, time and space of an existence spent in harmony with nature, such as mankind experienced from the earliest times until at least the last century, in a contemporary setting”. Extract from the last thought written by Brunello Cucinelli: “Letter on Artificial and Human Intelligence”. Read the full text: https://lnkd.in/dgxd7qUU Image: Prometheus, illustration adapted by Massimo de Vico Fallani

A press conference was held this morning, with the participation of many journalists, in the prestigious setting of the University of Perugia, to present the "Young Sparks Symposium" in Solomeo, organized within the framework of the Erasmus+ Project by the University of Perugia, the Brunello Cucinelli company and the National Institute for Documentation, Innovation and Educational Research (Indire). Two hundred students from different universities and from all continents, accompanied by their professors, will attend the Symposium, which will take place on September 4-7 mainly in Solomeo, but also in Norcia, Assisi and Perugia. During the days, some crucial aspects of our time will be discussed, such as the relationship between people and science, humanism and technology and people and territory. In the afternoon of the last day students will draft the "Young Sparks Statement," i.e., a Programmatic Statement, a "Good Manners" Charter aimed at laying the foundation for a radical rethinking of the relationship of human beings with the scientific-technological knowledge. Also speaking to the young people will be prestigious and internationally renowned "keynote speakers" from the world of institutions, science, philosophy, literature and journalism as well as music and sports, including: Sonia Guajajara, Manuela Dviri, Giovanni Malagò, Sari Nusseibeh, Mauro Ferrari, Giovanni Caccamo, Andrea Pontremoli and Brunello Cucinelli himself. Brunello Cucinelli commented: "With the Symposium of Young Sparks, in agreement with our esteemed Università degli Studi di Perugia and the prestigious agency, we have imagined a great celebration of humanism in Solomeo, for all of Umbria and for our beautiful Italy. Our main theme and goal is to celebrate, together with future generations, the harmony of human beings with Creation, toward which, more than ever, it now seems necessary to have a real social contract encompassing every animate and inanimate entity that is part of it. I am increasingly convinced that humanity cannot be governed by science alone, and that, rather, we must return to thoroughly balancing science and spirit, strive to find the right equilibrium between technology and humanism. I like to imagine that each of the young participating students will be able to take home with them a precious gift: the desire to listen, to dialogue, to respond. Throughout my life, I have always tried to realise the dream of being a pro tempore custodian, in accordance with a saying by my great teacher Adriano Imperatore: "I feel responsible for the beauty of the world." Being able to share this dream with young people, whom I like to call the 'future sentinels of Humanity,' makes it immensely more fascinating."

The new Boutique in Forte dei Marmi, on the Tuscan Riviera, was recently inaugurated with an event attended by numerous guests and friends of the brand. The store is located in Via Carducci, one of the town's historical venues, where, from the early 1900s, intellectuals, writers and artists who loved to spend their summers in Versilia met. The location features harmonious furnishings, finishes and colours that outline a relaxed and tranquil path through Solomeo's designs and tastes. Natural materials and neutral tones combine with yacht-inspired elements, such as the large boat sail, to emphasise the distinctive flair of this renowned seaside resort. Brunello Cucinelli, who attended the event, commented as follows: «Italy's seaside resorts have always featured an abundance of charm, and Forte dei Marmi has been an example of this for over a century. The joyful tranquillity of its streets and its gentle seafront have made it one of Europe's most famous jewels. The name of this town reflects its strategic position: lying gently along the seashore of the beautiful Versilia, it is protected by the peaks of the Apuan Alps where one of the finest marbles in the world has been quarried since ancient times. The white slabs of Carrara marble passed through here on their way to the sea; marble that over the centuries has been used to create monuments and statues of eternal beauty, including the sublime works of Michelangelo. We are very pleased to open the doors of our new Boutique to all our dear friends and esteemed guests, in the hope that it will become a welcoming and serene place, a symbol of our way of understanding hospitality».

Today, at the Milan Triennale, a new idea for a project overseen by the Brunello and Federica Cucinelli Foundation was presented: it aims to rebuild and redevelop the medieval hamlet of Castelluccio di Norcia, severely scarred by the 2016 earthquake. Together with the architect and friend Massimo de Vico Fallani, Brunello Cucinelli explained how the idea was born from the desire to offer the entire community a village on a human scale, with deep respect for its genius loci. The project is the result of a long and painstaking research that began in 2017, based on archival documents and numerous physical visits to the site, with the aim of understanding and fully appreciating the historical and artistic importance of the urban settlement that overlooks the magnificent natural landscape of the Castelluccio plain. “It was with great emotion that we presented today an idea for a project that we would like to donate to the hamlet of Castelluccio di Norcia, a unique place in the world and one that is very dear to us. This idea says a lot about the way we live and work in Solomeo. We have conceived it "in harmony with Creation", always aware of the priority of fully respecting the dignity of places. I dreamed that Castelluccio could rise again as it was before the earthquake, and this idea of a project is a tribute to its extraordinary beauty, its ancient history, its quiet, hardworking and dignified people. At the same time, it is a gift to a future inspired by Human Sustainability, seeking to make a significant contribution to the beauty of humanity that will enliven the centuries to come.”, commented Brunello Cucinelli.

The Brunello Cucinelli website, which has always been a voice for the values and history of the Solomeo-based company, welcomes new digital content that continues to tell the story of the brand's philosophy, identity and places.   The website also provides space for new insights into contemporary and universal themes, such as the relationship between human beings and the new frontiers of technological innovation, in particular the latest developments related to artificial intelligence.   Brunello Cucinelli commented on the launch of the new content: “For many years now, we have featured the story, the values and the vision of our company on a website we are particularly fond of and that we affectionately consider a sort of "digital guardian" of our identity. Today we have refreshed our website, seeing it as a personal and sincere collection of our lives, the places we love and the way we try to find a daily balance between work, family and caring for our souls. In these pages we have touched on old topics, such as the history of some of Solomeo’s corners devoted to spirituality, and also new ones, such as the relationship between technology, humanism and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. We hope we have succeeded in giving a human face to what we consider our digital home, open to all. A big thank you goes to our young Humanist Artisans of the Web who have helped us bring this beautiful website to life.” Discover more: https://lnkd.in/dp-EXEzr

On the last day of the Tech.Emotion Summit in Milan, organised by Emotion Network and Corriere della Sera at the headquarters of Borsa Italiana, Brunello Cucinelli participated in a fire chat with Pieter Van Der Does, co-founder and co-CEO of Adyen. The second edition of the event was attended by numerous Italian and international guests, including entrepreneurs, creative people, experts and researchers. During their chat, Brunello Cucinelli and Pieter van der Does spoke about the relationship between craftsmanship and technology, a highly relevant relationship in which humanism and technological innovation meet. This was Brunello Cucinelli's comment: «It was with great pleasure that I returned to the latest edition of the Tech.Emotion Summit in Milan. This year's event was an opportunity to ponder – together with my dear friend Pieter van der Does of Adyen – on a topic that I find very fascinating, for our country and beyond: the relationship between craftsmanship and technology. In a world in which intelligences of different nature are increasingly called upon to coexist, I believe it is more urgent than ever to come together to think of new positive synergies between soul, creativity and the innovative frontiers of technology. I would like to thank the esteemed Mattia Mor, Emotion Network and the Corriere della Sera for organising this interesting event. A special thanks to the whole of Pieter's team for the beautiful relationship between our companies and the deep sharing of vision and values. Let us always try to lead technology with our hearts, never losing sight of the ideals of universal humanism».