To celebrate the grand opening of Brunello Cucinelli’s Dallas boutique Elisa and Stephen Summers along with Katherine and Eric Reeves welcomed a bevy of Dallas style setters to Highland Park Village. But no guest was greater than the designer himself, who came to town to join in the festivities.
Bruno Cucinelli knows our city is a top luxury market in the United States. His new retail space in Highland Park Village embodies the essence of the company’s headquarters in Solomeo, Italy, which is a medieval hamlet he has helped restore during the past 29 years.
In speaking with him one-on-one, he let us in on the reason why Dallas has a soft spot in his heart. “These clothes are closely tied to Dallas, because I got the idea for the tapered kind of blazers we carry while I was here visiting,” he said.
Guests — including Heather and Ray Washburne, Muffin Lemak, Joyce Goss, Niven Morgan, Shelby Wagner, Vivian and Alberto Lombardi, and Ashley and Ward Hunt — chatted with the designer while perusing the classically chic clothing line he is excited to bring to Dallas.
“I hope the whole collection is well-received. This sporty, luxury chic look I am particularly pleased with. American and European tastes are very similar, and we manage the North American market as if it is one market with Europe,” Cucinelli said.
The designer strongly believes that customers need to “breathe” the atmosphere of the space. It’s one to thing to wear the clothing; however, he thinks it is just as important to understand where it comes from.
“If you step into the store, you will have an idea of how we work, how we combine colors, and the high level of craftsmanship that goes into each and every piece,” he says.
Perhaps most impressive about the evening was learning about the designer’s humanistic and philanthropic tendencies. Cucinelli’s compassion was reflected in the event’s partnership with North Texas Food Bank; 10 percent of sales throughout opening weekend benefited the nonprofit.
He is also passionate about maintaining a certain standard in his manufacturing.
“The dream of my life is that through this product, you actually realize that is was manufactured without harming mankind,” Cucinelli said. “I saw in my father’s time how harsh it was for them when they were working, and I didn’t want to set up a company where there was harshness and hard work.”
Niven Morgan, Claire Emanuelson, Shelby Wagner
