Italian fashion designer Nino Cerruti, renowned for his groundbreaking work in men’s fashion and his influence on Hollywood stars, has sadly passed away at the age of 91. He died while undergoing a hip operation at a hospital in Vercelli. Gilberto Pichetto, the deputy minister for economic development, described Cerruti as a giant among Italian entrepreneurs.
Cerruti revolutionized menswear by introducing the concept of “casual chic” in the 1970s, creating the first deconstructed jacket. His designs were known for their stylish and relaxed aesthetic, reflecting his belief that men should be more free in their elegance and more elegant in their freedom.
Born in Biella in 1930, Cerruti initially had dreams of becoming a journalist. However, after his father’s passing when he was 20, he had to take over the family textile factory and put his studies in philosophy on hold. It was in the 1960s that he met Giorgio Armani and hired him as a creator of men’s fashion. The collaboration between Cerruti and Armani had a significant impact on the fashion industry, although Armani eventually went on to establish his own highly successful fashion house.
Carlo Capasa, head of the National Chamber of Italian Fashion, referred to Cerruti as “Italy’s chicest man,” highlighting his innovative and visionary creativity. Capasa emphasized Cerruti’s commitment to investing in and nurturing young talent, specifically mentioning his support for a young Giorgio Armani. Armani himself expressed deep sadness at the news of Cerruti’s passing, recalling his piercing gaze, curiosity, and willingness to take risks.
In 1967, Cerruti opened his first boutique in Paris, marking the beginning of his luxury brand’s global recognition. He believed that clothes come to life when worn and wished for them to continue absorbing the experiences of those who wear them. During the student revolts of May 1968, he challenged gender norms in fashion by having male and female models walk down the runway wearing the same clothes, a groundbreaking move at the time.
Aside from his influential contributions to menswear, Cerruti expanded into women’s clothing in the 1970s, which eventually became a significant source of revenue for his brand. He further diversified his business by venturing into perfumes, watches, shoes, and jewelry. Cerruti’s designs were favored by Hollywood stars like Richard Gere, Robert Redford, and Jean-Paul Belmondo, and he even made cameo appearances in films.
In the 1990s, Cerruti’s fashion house was chosen as the official designer for the Ferrari Formula 1 team. However, due to intense competition in the luxury fashion industry, he ultimately sold his label, “Cerruti 1881,” to Italian investors in 2001. The brand subsequently changed ownership and is currently held by the Chinese group Trinity.
Following the sale, Cerruti returned to his family home in Biella. He leaves behind a legacy of being a true pioneer in fashion and a thinker of clothing philosophy. His influence continues to shape the industry, inspiring designers to push boundaries and embrace innovation. Nino Cerruti’s rich heritage and lasting impact on the world of fashion will never be forgotten.
Useful links:
Vogue: Nino Cerruti Obituary
The New York Times: Nino Cerruti, Fashion Designer Who Helped Define Men’s Style, Dies at 91
