The Buyer’s Dozen: 12 Brunello Cucinelli Pieces That Are Made To Last

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The Buyer’s Dozen: 12 Brunello Cucinelli Pieces That Are Made To Last

Words by Ms Francine Heath | Photography by Mr Francesco Nazardo | Styling by Mr Olie Arnold

23 August 2021

It’s fair to say that the term craftsmanship gets bandied around a lot in fashion. But what does it actually mean? To find out, you could try reading MR PORTER’s Craftsmanship Code, a pledge we made earlier this year, in which we define the term according to six principles. If you’d prefer to learn by example, though, there are few better brands to illustrate what craftsmanship means today than Brunello Cucinelli.

Influenced by the classical Greek word tékhnē that captures both craft and art, each design showcases a fascination with quality materials and innovative tools, while seeing (and maintaining) the value in manual work – no matter how time consuming it may be. According to the brand, the secret to its success lies in finding the right balance between these essential ingredients.

Since the very beginning, the concept behind production has been that anything released, in the right hands, should last forever. So, the question is: how do you choose which pieces to add to your wardrobe when they’re all on the same level? That’s where our buyers and their discerning tastes come in. Here are 12 styles guaranteed to make worthy investments.

01.

The puppytooth jacket

Much like classic black and white films (we’re talking everything from Double Indemnity to La Haine), a puppytooth jacket – the term referring to a smaller, more subtle version of the classic black and white houndstooth pattern – is something that you’ll never tire of. Having said that, while the pattern on this one may look heritage, the sporty snap fastenings pull it right into the modern day.

02.

The unstructured blazer

Designed by expert tailors in Brunello Cucinelli’s hometown of Solomeo, Italy, this unstructured blazer is made from the brand’s signature cashmere, a velvety soft material that boasts remarkable longevity when it’s looked after with care. Tip: store it on a padded hanger to maintain the shape and tackle any pesky moths (who seem to be just as obsessed with the fabric as we are) with cedar spray.

03.

The selvedge jeans

Selvedge denim = long-wearing style. It’s as simple as that. In a dark-indigo wash that’s easy to wear casually or smarten up, this pair of jeans is designed in the label’s straight Leisure cut for a silhouette that’s neither too slim nor too wide.

04.

The considered hoodie

No detail is overlooked in Brunello Cucinelli’s collections, not even drawstrings. Zoom in to discover that those on this otherwise understated cotton-jersey hoodie are neatly knotted and tipped with plush suede. Forget big, brash logos: this is how a proper brand identifies itself.

05.

The checked flannel

Never underestimate the importance of quality when it comes to a flannel shirt; it can be the difference between a scruffy lumberjack look and something altogether more refined. This design, with its smooth brushed-cotton fabric and horn buttons, falls comfortably into the latter category.

06.

The cashmere rollneck

Consider a cashmere rollneck to be one of your wardrobe’s trustiest building blocks. Whether you’re wearing it underneath a shirt, a suit or a knitted vest, it won’t ever let you down in the style stakes.

07.

The hybrid cardigan

Is it a bomber jacket? Is it a cardigan? Our official verdict is that it falls somewhere in between – but don’t expect us to invent a hybrid portmanteau to describe it. Knitted (once again) from the label’s favourite fabric, cashmere, it’s detailed with a two-way zip and pockets to slide your phone and AirPods into.

08.

The refined backpack

Nylon backpacks are a great everyday choice, but certain situations call for something a little more special. Crafted from rich brown leather with perforated suede at the back, this one has refinement written all over it.

09.

The textured sneakers

A great advantage of these sneakers is that they’re supremely comfortable, which is what you want for a shoe you’ll wear on repeat, right? A secondary benefit is the artful combination of luxurious textures.

10.

The sturdy holdall

When you’re planning to use it for everything from city breaks to business trips, your new holdall needs to be both stylish and sturdy. Generously sized and detailed with ample pockets, this canvas and leather design ticks both boxes.

11.

The lace-up boots

Don’t wait for your weather app to alert you to the fact that chilly mornings are around the corner. Invest in a pair of robust boots now, and you’ll be ready for whatever the climate throws at you. Versatile and practical, this lace-up pair offers up a smart take on the military trend.

12.

The chukka boots

Yes, they’re easy on the eye, but the true appeal of these chukka boots lies in the ultra-reliable Goodyear-welted soles. Mist the uppers with a protective suede spray before you step outside in them to ensure maximum mileage.