Brunello Cucinelli has long been synonymous with a distinct approach to luxury—one that feels personal, grounded and deeply tied to its Italian roots. Since its founding in 1978 in the tranquil hills of Solomeo, the Italian brand has built its philosophy around workmanship, community and the quiet strength of heritage. The result? Pieces delicately imbued with an artisanal touch, a clear reflection of the ongoing sartorial conversation between past and present.
This sentiment is carried forward by Camilla and Carolina Cucinelli, whose creative direction maintains a sense of continuity while allowing space for modish breakthroughs. As daughters of the founder Brunello himself, their approach melds reinvention with an expansion of the brand’s DNA—honouring its roots while embracing contemporary influences. They bring a modern sensibility and evoke a new perspective for the brand, one informed by the needs and desires of today’s consumer. This interplay between classicism and innovation is what defines their latest creation: the BC Duo bag.
The BC Duo bag perfectly encapsulates the Italian brand’s meticulous approach to craft. Geometric panels meet in sculpted straight and diagonal lines, stitched with precision. Each material has been considered for its texture and character—supple calfskin, classic suede and a luminous lamé leather that catches light with a subtle sheen. A denim iteration, dyed in some of the house’s signature hues, introduces a fresh perspective while echoing the collection’s palette of warm browns, enduring neutrals like black and ivory, and soft shades of sage and peach. These carefully chosen tones, enriched by the depth of fine fabrics and leathers, lend the silhouette a graceful, tactile dimension.
This season, the carryall is introduced in four sizes, each designed with a different rhythm in mind. A new mini version offers a compact, polished option, while the small size provides ample space for essentials without feeling bulky. The medium serves as an everyday companion, while the largest iteration functions as a sophisticated tote, ideal for those who navigate a multitude of occasions. Each size is rooted in the same design language, reinforcing the brand’s focus on proportion and detail.
Polished embellishments accentuate the bag’s clean silhouette. The cherished logo is subtly embossed between the handles, while the signature monili embroidery traces the side corners, creating a soft contrast with light. With precise stitching and carefully considered finishes, sculpted geometric panels intersect at straight and diagonal angles. Each component is thoughtfully designed to complement the others, coming together in a mirrored effect that reinforces the bag’s duality. These details are deliberately integrated to add depth and structure, without disrupting the bag’s minimalist composition.
With the sisters shaping the Italian brand’s next chapter, Brunello Cucinelli continues to build on its legacy—one that is as much about the future as it is about honouring legacy. Under their helm, the designs speak to individuals who appreciate the finer things in life—an effortless balance between urban life and moments of respite, embracing pieces that feel as natural as they are charming.
Below, Vogue Singapore speaks to the Cucinelli sisters on the creative process behind the BC Duo bag, growing up in Solomeo, Italy, and carrying the family brand’s legacy forward.
Your journey with Brunello Cucinelli has been deeply personal, growing up surrounded by the brand’s philosophy and workmanship. How has this shaped your approach as co-creative directors?
Carolina: Growing up in an environment so rich in tradition and passion for craftsmanship has undoubtedly influenced my approach to creativity. Every step we take as co-creative directors is rooted in a vision deeply grounded in the pursuit of the highest quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. The brand’s philosophy is something we feel deeply, and it guides us in every creative decision, always with the aim of creating something that is both modern and timeless.
Camilla: For me, growing up with this philosophy and these values has been a privilege. I have learned to embrace creativity as a continuously evolving process. On the other hand, our father’s philosophy, which emphasises the value of craftsmanship and authenticity, remains at the heart of our work. This approach gives us the strength and confidence to explore and create while respecting what the brand represents.
Growing up in Solomeo, you were surrounded by the essence of Brunello Cucinelli—not just in fashion, but in philosophy and way of life. How has this upbringing influenced the way you approach creativity and leadership today?
Camilla: The beauty of Solomeo lies in the fact that it is not just a place but a way of life. Growing up surrounded by this philosophy, which combines art, beauty, and a strong sense of community, has taught us to see creativity not as an individual process but as dialogue. This has deeply influenced our approach: we always strive to work together as a team, with a shared vision, while maintaining our individuality and sensitivity. The Brunello Cucinelli philosophy is our starting point, but today, the contemporary reinterpretation of these values is what inspires us every day.
As co-creative directors, how do you each bring your individual perspectives into the brand while maintaining a unified vision?
Carolina: Camilla and I complement each other, and I believe this is our strength. We both bring different perspectives, yet we always find common ground—the shared vision that ensures our work remains consistent. Our collaboration is natural and built on ongoing communication, a balance that stems from mutual respect for each other’s ideas. The essence of the brand remains unchanged, but we are always seeking innovation without ever losing sight of the fundamental values that unite us.
Camilla: That’s true — we complement each other. On one hand, there is my sensitivity to design, developed through years of experience and research into materials; on the other, there is Carolina’s more strategic mindset and expertise in communication. This balance allows us to create collections that are not only aesthetically strong but also useful for the modern woman.
Brunello Cucinelli has always been a family-driven brand. What does it mean to you both to carry this legacy forward, and how do you see your roles evolving in the future?
Carolina: For me, carrying forward this philosophy means preserving the core values on which the company was built while finding ways to reinterpret them through a modern lens. I believe our role is to safeguard what has been built so far while continuing to pursue innovation, keeping pace with the times and new forms of expression. As Brunello often says, we like to imagine this company being here for another hundred or two hundred years, and it is our duty to see ourselves not as owners, but as guardians. Only in this way will we have honoured all those who helped found it, those who have nurtured its growth, and those who will do their best to sustain it in the future.
The BC Duo bag embodies the connection between you both as sisters and co-creative directors. How did this concept first take shape and where do you get your inspiration from?
Carolina: The BC Duo is truly an expression of our bond. It was born from the desire to create something that spoke of our connection, but also of the differences that enrich us both as individuals and as professionals. Every detail, every shape reflects this duality—the idea of two elements that complement each other. The inspiration came from our continuous exchange of ideas and our desire to design an accessory that would be a manifesto of harmony, representing our essence.
Camilla: It was a very natural process. The BC Duo was the result of an ongoing dialogue, which has shaped a bag that, for us, represents the harmony between two different yet equally strong elements. Duality is a concept that deeply belongs to us, and we wanted it to be reflected in an item that, despite its simplicity, carries profound meaning.
The design plays with duality—contrasts and balance. What does this idea mean to you personally, both in creativity and design?
Camilla: Duality is one of the key principles of our work, both in the Duo and in our collections as a whole. For us, it means striking a balance between two forces that may seem opposite but, together, form something unique and cohesive. This translates into a continuous search for the right contrast—one that is never forced but, on the contrary, feels natural. The BC Duo is the embodiment of this idea: two elements merging into a single solution that challenges form while simultaneously enhancing it.
Carolina: For me, duality has always been a way of reflecting on the world around us. In everything, there is a contrast that can lead to an extraordinary balance. When we design, we always ask ourselves how two or more elements can come together to create something that is not only beautiful but also tells a story. The BC Duo is an example of how the contrast between materials, shapes, and dimensions can result in a harmonious piece that enhances and completes a look.
How do you see the BC Duo bag fitting into the Brunello Cucinelli aesthetic?
Carolina: We believe that the BC Duo fits perfectly within our aesthetic. Like all our collections, it carries a minimalist and sophisticated imprint, yet it is designed for a contemporary, dynamic woman. Its elegance is both understated and distinctive—an essential trait of the brand, for which Brunello himself came up with the term “gentle luxury.” Every detail is designed to be perfect and integrated into the whole, without ever being excessive.
Camilla: The BC Duo embodies all the values that define us as a brand. It is a mix of heritage and modernity, with a shape that is both understated and innovative.
Accessories today serve both as function and artistry. How does the BC Duo bag reflect the way women approach bags now?
Carolina: Women today seek a balance between beauty and functionality, and we like to think that the BC Duo embodies exactly that. It is an accessory that not only adds a touch of style but is also incredibly versatile. Its ability to adapt to different moments of the day—thanks to its dual shape and variable sizes—reflects the fast-paced, multifaceted lives of modern women.
Craftsmanship is at the heart of Brunello Cucinelli. How did you approach the construction and material selection for the BC Duo bag to ensure it embodies the brand’s heritage?
Camilla: The selection of materials for the BC Duo was essential to maintaining its authenticity and artisanal quality. We chose smooth nappa calfskin and suede for their depth of tone and softness—materials that perfectly embody the essence of our brand: timeless elegance and uncompromising quality. For the Spring/Summer 2025 season, we have also introduced a lamé leather – for added shine – and denim with double topstitching, just like in apparel. Every stage of production has been meticulously overseen by our artisans, who work with passion to ensure that every detail aligns with our philosophy.
Carolina: We have carefully selected materials that reflect our commitment to craftsmanship. Every element of the BC Duo is the result of a process that involves many steps and rigorous quality control, and it is essential to us that each bag embodies these values. The choice of the finest materials and meticulous attention to detail are the foundations upon which we build our collections.
Vogue Singapore’s March ‘Vigour’ issue will be out on newsstands from March and available to preorder online.
