Originating in the small Italian hamlet of Solomeo, luxury fashion brand Brunello Cucinelli (937 N. Rush St.) has long been a brand driven by familial values since creative director and executive chairman Brunello began dyeing cashmere in 1978. Today, his daughter Carolina, co-creative director and co-president, makes it her mission to translate her family’s legacy to the next generation and to continue to elevate and evolve the label. Here, upon the one-year anniversary of the brand’s new boutique opening in the Gold Coast, she reveals why Chicago is a key hub for the brand, the trends she’s loving now and what the future holds.
What about the Chicago market makes the brand such a great fit here in the city?
In my opinion, Chicago is one of the most interesting cities in the U.S. I admire how lively the community feels, and I am always inspired when I visit.
How do you translate your family’s legacy to the next generation?
Th e relationship with our customers is special because we’ve always shared our values with them and created a mutual relationship based on trust. This approach has always been part of our philosophy and will continue to be, especially because the new generation is increasingly mindful of issues like quality and sustainability.
What fashion trends are you loving right now?
I’ve noticed a great comeback of the aesthetic of the ’90s: very essential, clean, without too many details. In general, however, I like to dress according to my personal taste. I’m passionate about the suit, perhaps combined with a soft cashmere sweater from several collections ago— always trendy.
Your family transformed Solomeo into a creative hub. What do you love most about the community?
I love living in Solomeo. The quiet life and sense of community binds us all. Everybody is looked after, and we are always ready to give each other a hand, and to me, that is the true meaning of community.
Aside from fashion, what can we expect from Brunello Cucinelli in the year ahead?
In Solomeo, we are working on a project for the new Universal Library, a place that will be open to anyone who wants to come and browse books on various humanistic, artistic and literary subjects. I think the library will become a new meeting and sharing center, a place dedicated to nurturing that sense of community and union.
Photography by: PHOTO COURTESY OF BRUNELLO CUCINELLI
