Brunello Cucinelli Shines at Premiere of “Brunello: The Gracious Visionary”
Italian fashion mogul Brunello Cucinelli showcased Hollywood glamour during the premiere of his new docufilm, “Brunello: The Gracious Visionary,” in Rome on Thursday night. The event was held at Cinecittà Studios, near the iconic reconstructed Colosseum where Ridley Scott’s classic film “Gladiator” was filmed.
A Star-Studded Celebration
The premiere attracted major cinema personalities, including Jessica Chastain, Jonathan Bailey, Ava DuVernay, Jeff Goldblum, Chris Pine, Édgar Ramírez, and Kyle MacLachlan. Dressed in Cucinelli masterpieces, these stars came to celebrate not just his exquisite clothing line but also his commitment to humanistic capitalism.
Philosophy of Fashion
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay, speaking to Variety on the beige carpet that complemented Cucinelli’s neutral palette, emphasized the brand’s deeper meaning. “The brand stands for something. I think about family and the advocacy for the land — something that goes beyond just aesthetics,” she expressed.
The Docufilm’s Insight
“Brunello: The Gracious Visionary,” directed by the esteemed Giuseppe Tornatore, delves into Cucinelli’s remarkable journey from the son of an Umbrian farmer to the helm of a multi-billion-dollar luxury fashion empire. Featuring Saul Nanni as a younger Cucinelli, the film combines documentary elements with dramatic reenactments to explore how philosophy and generosity shaped his outlook. A notable highlight is Cucinelli’s commitment to fair wages and renovating the village of Solomeo, home to his operations.
Cucinelli’s Vision for Capitalism
During a press conference at Rome’s Teatro dell’Opera, Cucinelli articulated his vision of modern capitalism. “Why shouldn’t capitalism, too, be contemporary and current? You inspire your employees by telling them the truth. I believe in providing better workplaces, fair profits, and treating workers as thinking beings,” he stated.
Hollywood’s Embrace
This unique blend of profitability and social responsibility has resonated with Hollywood elites. Celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Patrick Dempsey participated in the docufilm, while stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie have donned his creations. Notably, Jeff Goldblum praised the experience of visiting Solomeo, stating, “He’s just great… wearing Cucinelli makes me feel like a million bucks.”
A Memorable Evening
The after-premiere dinner, held in Cinecittà’s new Teatro 22, featured a warm, familial atmosphere. Attendees shared traditional Italian dishes like mezzi paccheri pasta, reflecting the daily lunches of Cucinelli’s factory workers. Thousands of books from Cucinelli’s own collection adorned the walls, enriching the dining experience with the essence of humanism.
Legacy and the Human Soul
While embracing his newfound celebrity status, Cucinelli emphasizes the importance of leaving a positive legacy. “Hollywood is amusing, but what I prefer to focus on is the human soul,” he reflected, underscoring his belief that fashion and community can coexist beautifully.
