On September 4, 2023, Italian fashion designer Brunello Cucinelli celebrated his 70th birthday and the 45th anniversary of his eponymous brand in an extravagant event held in Solomeo, Umbria. The evening was filled with a captivating runway display, a delightful dinner, and an inspiring speech.
Rather than calling it a fashion show, Cucinelli humbly referred to the event as a “presentation.” The runway featured 50 stunning models, including the well-known Dutch supermodel Mark Vanderloo. As they made their way down the aisle of Solomeo’s theater, they posed against a backdrop of a pale gray proscenium embellished with white Ionic columns and Mediterranean cypresses. The stage was further adorned with an impressive giant head of the ancient Roman emperor Hadrian, adding a spiritual touch to the proceedings. The ethereal sounds of “Parce Mihi Domine” by Hilliard Ensemble & Jan Garbarek created an enchanting cathedral-like ambiance.
As the applause filled the room, Cucinelli made his entrance dressed immaculately in white and ecru split linen. The dress code for the evening was white, Panama, light gray, and beige, resulting in an audience that looked as splendid as the models themselves. Cucinelli’s collection showcased his signature blend of houndstooth check linen jerkins, ecru linen blazers, and pale chalk-stripe suits for men, while women wore sandy super fresh wool suits, linen bloomers, boyish white cotton shirts, and tulle and satin shirt dresses with breastplates, embodying the designer’s effortless and immaculate chic.
During his 25-minute speech, delivered with a gentle and sermon-like tone, Cucinelli drew inspiration from his “masters” such as Hadrian, St. Dominic, Confucius, and Seneca. Quoting these great thinkers and sharing anecdotes from his humble upbringing, Cucinelli shared his journey from a life without electricity in the countryside to founding his brand. He spoke about finding solace and inspiration by looking at the stars after family dinners and how the village of Solomeo has become a representation of his roots and transformation.
The audience, which included brand ambassador Patrick Dempsey, was deeply moved by Cucinelli’s speech. Dempsey praised Cucinelli’s generosity and commitment to giving back to the world. Cucinelli’s dedication to philanthropy and compassion is evident in his ongoing projects, such as the creation of a 2,000 square-meter Biblioteca Universale in Solomeo, inspired by Hadrian’s love for books, aiming to pass on wisdom and knowledge to future generations.
The festivities continued with a splendid post-show dinner featuring local Umbrian delicacies and Cucinelli’s favorite pasta dish, Mezzi Paccheri alla Vittorio. Celebrity guest Martha Stewart joined Cucinelli in preparing the dish in huge copper pots, adding excitement to the culinary experience. Cucinelli’s own Castello di Solomeo red wine perfectly complemented the meal. A string quartet serenaded guests with classical airs during the main course, while an Italian band performed popular tunes like “Tu vuò fà l’Americano” for dessert.
To commemorate the occasion, Cucinelli’s daughter Carolina presented him with a classic white statue of Apollo playing his lyre, symbolizing the admiration for Greek culture shared by Cucinelli and Hadrian. In his closing remarks, Cucinelli cut into a billiard table-sized birthday cake and expressed his thoughts on the enduring power of history and the importance of sustainability. His commitment to eco-consciousness and collaborations with King Charles in the Himalayas reflect his personal values and his role as a new grandfather.
As the night came to a close, Cucinelli expressed his gratitude to the international media and his long-time friends from school and university who had joined him for the celebration. Despite not having a fashion degree, Cucinelli received an honorary degree in philosophy from Perugia University, highlighting his unique perspective and multidimensional approach to life.
The celebration of Brunello Cucinelli’s 70th birthday and the 45th anniversary of his brand was a remarkable event, encompassing fashion, philosophy, and heartfelt celebration. Cucinelli’s unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, compassion, and sustainability serves as a guiding principle for future generations as he continues to make his mark in the industry and beyond.
(Useful links:
1. [Brunello Cucinelli Official Website](https://www.brunellocucinelli.com/en/)
2. [Biblioteca Universale](https://www.brunellocucinelli.com/en/communication/sustainability/environment/the-library-of-the-humankind))
