The “King of Cashmere” is officially a movie star. Brunello Cucinelli, the legendary Italian designer who turned high-end knitwear into a global empire, swapped his quiet Umbrian vineyards for the bright lights of New York City last Tuesday.
Cucinelli was the man of the hour at a star-studded gala screening for his new documentary, “Brunello: The Gracious Visionary.” Flanked by his wife of years, Federica, and their daughters, Carolina and Camilla, the -something entrepreneur proved he is just as comfortable on a red carpet as he is in the hills of Solomeo.
A Fairytale on the Big Screen
The documentary, directed by the visionary Giuseppe Tornatore, tells the story of a man who rose from a poor, rural farm existence to become a fashion titan. But this isn’t just a story about sweaters; it is a deep dive into Cucinelli’s unique brand of “humanistic capitalism.”
“I wanted Giuseppe to undertake this project because he is a poet,” Cucinelli told Variety at the event. “Ultimately, my dream was for this film to serve as a testament to what my life, what our life, has been: a legacy to leave behind for our children, our grandchildren and all those who will come after us.”
The film captures the emotional core of his journey, including the “turning point” when a young Brunello watched his father suffer through an undignified factory job. It was that moment that inspired him to create a workplace where employees are paid higher-than-average wages and work in natural light.
Family Fashion and New York Energy
The Cucinelli family turned the premiere into a masterclass in quiet luxury. Carolina Cucinelli, now a vice president at the company, shared that the family finds constant inspiration in the Big Apple. “New York is a city that gives us so much energy,” she noted, looking chic in a feminine dress paired with a non-biker jacket.
Her sister, Camilla, also a vice president, opted for a tuxedo with a color-blocking twist to represent the brand’s philosophy. For the Cucinelli family, the business is more than a label; it’s a “noble pursuit” they are passionate about carrying into the future.
Fans of the brand might recognize Cucinelli’s influence from pop culture hits like “The Devil Wears Prada ” or “Emily in Paris,” but the documentary aims to show the man behind the name-drop.
A Message to the World
While the film was a massive hit in Italy—earning over $ million in just seven days—its North American release on July is expected to spark even more conversation online. Cucinelli, who once addressed the G Summit on the importance of being “guardians of Creation,” hopes the film inspires everyone, not just those in fashion.
“Replace fear with hope,” he urged. “Have a dream. Look up at the sky. The stars will be your source of inspiration.”
Whether you are a fan of his iconic $, pullovers or his philosophical approach to life, “The Gracious Visionary” is shaping up to be the summer’s most inspiring watch. As Federica Cucinelli puts it, the story is a “true fairytale” that started with two teenagers in a small Italian village and ended up on the screens of New York City.
The documentary opens in theaters across the U.S. and Canada on July .
