Brunello Cucinelli is simply amazing

[CharlesAlexander]

He is slowly becoming my favorite designer. Every single time I walk into his store on Bleeker here in the Village, I am blown away by the quality, cut and style of his work.

His cashmere and suede pieces are especially impressive.

 

[lee_44106]

Quality? Is this true for the price he charges?

I know he's known for cashmere, but his other items (jackets especially) I was not that impressed at all.

 

[CharlesAlexander]

The craftmanship on his jackets (esp. his Shearlings) are fantastic.

He is a little on the pricey side, though I will admit.

 

[HermesGuy]

I find it to be very hit or miss...meaning the styling. (the quality is superb)
Some things are really tight, others are frumpy and tired.

 

[MaxJones]

I agree. Cucinelli has become one of my favorites as well. I've always been a fan of relaxed yet elegant clothes, fine cashmere, and a mid-century English country look. So Cucinelli for me is nice discovery. His prices on the other hand...

 

[MaxJones]

Originally Posted by HermesGuy

I find it to be very hit or miss...meaning the styling. (the quality is superb)
Some things are really tight, others are frumpy and tired.

I've found the same hit-or-miss fit and styling. No more so than with any other maker, though. Loro Piana, for example, has some of the most comfortable clothing I've worn, but most of their items do absolutely nothing for me.

 

[NorCal_1]

would really appreciate pictures taken of the store and the fully dressed out displays

do you have a camera?

same with Bergdorf

any NY'er's able to take some of the displays? one thing the Sartorialist did well initially wa take pictures of the best store displays and he's not doing it any longer

 

[Gus]

I have owned a variety of Cucinelli sweaters, jackets and pants for many years now. I think the cashmere sweaters are some of my favorites because of their contemporary look, weight, the quality of the cashmere and the fit. They also have the extra touches like the suede elbow patches, leather tab pull, sometimes with zipper side pockets and a contrasting colored stripes inside the neckline, that sort of thing. I have noticed that the better Loro Piana sweaters are recently getting much better, with chunky knit details and heavy suede embelishments, that when done well, surpass BC, IMO. (perhaps LP realizes they have been loosing market share to BC in many major US dept stores?)

I have tried on dozens and dozens of BC jackets in my size. Some fit and some don't. There is something about the fit that seems to vary a lot with my body shape. (does anyone here have any specific information why that may be?) I do, however, love the little ticket pocket detail, elbow patches, the fabric, etc. They really know how to make their jackets look dressy yet relaxed, sporty and also "smart", they have truly perfected a BC signature style IMO. But, because of the variations in the fit of the jackets I would never buy one on-line, I would have to try it on first.

I love and hate BC shirts. I can never get one to fit me. The sleeves are way too short. If I go up a size or two, the neck is huge. So, BC, make the sleeves longer will you????

I buy BC pants frequently. Yes they are expensive but I love the fit. Unlike the jackets I find the fit consistent and easy to tailor.

I want to have one of every BC scarf made. However, with prices starting at $400, I just can't seem to pull the trigger on that. And, I always miss them on sale

I just picked up the new BC catalog at Saks. I think BC puts out the best branding and image catalog in fashion today. It reminds me of the glory days when Bruce Weber did those amazing concept ads and catalogs for Ralph Lauren. Except, as always, BC does it in their own way and style. Plus who else but BC would focus on the greats of history to inspire his company and product line. I love it!

 

[foto010101]

Recently I checked out the construction of a few BC jackets. Strangely enough I found a lot of loose threads, which in my opinion is unacceptable for a jacket of 2600 euro!

 

[stamp0102]

+1 I just love BC and everything that the brand exudes. It is the definition of understated (albeit casual) elegance. It's like wearing a Patek with jeans and driving mocs. Although I do not own any of his pieces (as the prices are a bit steep for me), a suede jacket, a blue blazer, grey chalk stripe slacks, and a grey scarf are on my list for upcoming purchases.

 

[stamp0102]

PS...Happy 100th post to me. Only been a member for 18 months. HAHA

 

[mr. magoo]

My reply from a past thread...

I have several sweaters, a shirt, one corduroy suit, one corduroy jacket and a tweed car coat, which I have acquired from Bergdorf Goodman, the BC store in New York and from on-line sellers. I'll say that I certainly like the style -- rustic, sophisticated, a little nappy. It screams out "Tuscan Hill Town!" or perhaps "Summer on Amalfi Coast", and who doesn't like that?

I think the sweaters are great, and the cashmere or wool easily compares to Loro Piana or Columbo. Perhaps not worth the money, but quite nice.

However, the tailored stuff is actually pretty mediocre quality, and terribly over-priced. There's generally no hand-work on it and often uses some inexpensive materials (e.g., cotton or nylon linings or plastic buttons). I think the cut is sometimes quite nice, but is often times kind of boring and baggy. I have had a lot of variability in the quality -- seams coming open, stitching falling out -- and would compare it to a much lower-priced tailored line.

Frankly, I think a mid-priced line like Cantarelli or Boglioli is much better for the tailored stuff, and believe the workmanship to not be much above something like J.Crew, as sacriligeous as that sounds. If I pay the price for BC, I want a quality more in line with Borrelli; if we're talking Italian clothing with an Italian style and European price point, I think Borrelli is a good comparison. Generally, I find Borrelli to be superior, although have had some quality issues with their tailored stuff too.

Just to think about it more, I pulled out a cord jacket I happen to have in my office that I got new about a year ago and worn maybe 3 or 4 times. It has very sloppy "pick" stitching along the lapel, the seam holding the melton collar backing to the back of the jacket is coming un-done and on closer inspection I can see the stitching actually missed the jacket on one 2-inch segment, the lining is kind of a cheap synthetic, and there are lose threads throughout the arm hole stitching. The button holes are machine made, the jacket seems are machine made and, just to appear "authentic", the lining is attached with fake hand-sewn stitching, but is obviously machine-made.

I like the way it looks, and I got it at a big discount. I'm not crapping on it -- but this jacket probably cost $1200-$1500 new (or more!) and is in no way worth it. Nice cotton corduroy and a decent cut makes it better than, say, Burberry or something. But it's not very good.

That being said, there was an article comparing Cucinelli and something like Gap from the Wall Street Journal on SF or AAAC not long ago. It pointed out that the very high price for BC clothing did things like paid for a livable wage and health care for the workers, as opposed to what a low price for a Chinese maker pays for its labor. If you believe in that kind of stuff, then the BC premium is also justified that way, I suppose.

 

[SuitingStyle]

who makes their tailored clothing ( jackets, pants)? Their jackets don't seem to be made from top tier qulity makers, but costs just as much as say an Isaia jacket.

 

[Gus]

Originally Posted by mr. magoo

If I pay the price for BC, I want a quality more in line with Borrelli; if we're talking Italian clothing with an Italian style and European price point, I think Borrelli is a good comparison. Generally, I find Borrelli to be superior, although have had some quality issues with their tailored stuff too.

I think your comments regarding Borrelli vs Cucinelli are valid when it comes to the jackets. I think the tailoring details of Borrelli are better although, I just love the more sporty manner in which BC puts it all together as far as a look OTR.

I have found that if you are careful in selecting lower cost fabrics at Borrelli, some of the jackets can be quite reasonable too (but never inexpensive). Especially, if you are like me a like very little lining, patch pockets and minimum construction.

 

[mr. magoo]

Originally Posted by pocketsquareguy

I think your comments regarding Borrelli vs Cucinelli are valid when it comes to the jackets. I think the tailoring details of Borrelli are better although, I just love the more sporty manner in which BC puts it all together as far as a look OTR.

Yeah, love the Cucinelli styling. For instance, I'm coveting a jacket I saw at their Woodbury Commons outlet that wasn't in my size -- if I find it, though...

That said, I think the quality stinks for jackets and coats unfortunately. I will concede their trousers seem to be a bit better made. But only a bit.