Hidden within the bustling streets of New York City is Casa Cucinelli, an oasis of timeless elegance that mirrors the serene beauty of the Italian countryside. It is here where Carolina Cucinelli, vice president and co-creative director of Brunello Cucinelli, recently sat down for an interview with Alex Badia, style director at WWD, to reveal a milestone moment for the luxury brand: the launch of the brand’s first women’s handbag. The discussion focused on craftsmanship, sustainability and the “feminine voice” shaping Brunello Cucinelli’s future.
A Sisterhood in Design: Collaborating on the BC Duo
When asked about the impetus behind the launch of the BC Duo handbag, Cucinelli described it as an intimate foundation born from a collaboration between her and her sister, Camilla Cucinelli. Despite years of co-creating designs for the brand, this project was a uniquely personal venture.
“It was beautiful because we both wanted to create something dedicated to us — not just for clients similar to us,” Cucinelli said. The name “Duo” encapsulates their relationship, a harmonious interplay between sisterhood, duality and their shared creative vision. While remaining deeply rooted in the brand’s identity, the handbag represents a subtle departure toward the contemporary, reflecting the sisters’ unique perspectives.
Regarding the vision behind the handbag, Cucinelli said it reflects a thoughtful awareness of modern life. The BC Duo isn’t just a handbag — it’s an accessory designed to adapt to the dynamic rhythm of a contemporary woman’s day. From morning meetings to an evening Aperitivo, the Duo transitions seamlessly between styles and occasions.
Carolina and Camilla Cucinelli.
Courtesy Photo
“We wanted to create a bag dedicated to women who balance life between work, family and social moments,” Cucinelli added. Available in multiple sizes, the Duo accommodates everything from essentials for a long day to the elegant simplicity needed for a night out. Its versatile design mirrors the effortless adaptability many women strive for, she said.
Craftsmanship Rooted in Umbria
Craftsmanship is a cornerstone of Brunello Cucinelli’s ethos, and the artistry behind their first handbag is no exception. The bag is meticulously crafted in Umbria, away from the brand’s Solomeo headquarters, where leather isn’t traditionally used. This geographic shift placed the handbag production in the hands of distinguished Tuscan artisans whose expertise in leather-making aligns with the brand’s uncompromising quality standards.
The design features clean lines and high-quality artisanal techniques, and while Brunello Cucinelli remains a “no logo” brand, subtle design elements and details nod to the brand’s identity. For Carolina Cucinelli, these thoughtful touches capture the elegance the Cucinelli name is renowned for while ensuring enduring simplicity and timeless appeal.
Brunello Cucinelli, named for the visionary founder behind the brand, has long been recognized for its values-based philosophy. But under the guidance of Carolina and Camilla Cucinelli, the brand’s legacy now incorporates a distinctly feminine viewpoint, a shift that serves their family’s broader vision of balance.
The BC Duo bag.
“It’s all about balance,” Cucinelli told Badia. “We’ve had the privilege of working with Brunello for 15 years. We learned so much, and we share the values of the company. But at the same time, we’re living in a different moment, and we want to breathe new energy into the brand.”
For Carolina and Camilla, their feminine influence expands not only through design but also through nurturing relationships with artisans and collaborators. Their approach blends heritage and innovation, ensuring the company evolves to meet the needs of contemporary consumers while retaining the values that shaped its origins.
The Future: A Village, Vision and Responsibility
The conversation then shifted to the brand’s rural roots in Solomeo, a tiny village in central Italy that Brunello Cucinelli himself transformed into a hub of artisanship, culture and sustainability. Cucinelli expressed pride in the company’s commitment to community development and its efforts to create opportunities for younger generations.
“The company supports the village, and the village supports the company,” she explained. “It’s important for us to create a future where young people choose to stay in the village rather than move to cities like Milan or New York. We dedicate resources to fostering culture, art, and a way of life that feels sustainable and fulfilling.”
This philosophy, built around respecting the past while investing in the future, is integral to the Cucinelli brand. It’s as much about nurturing a way of life as it is about creating timeless products.
Alex Badia and Carolina Cucinelli at Casa Cucinelli in NYC.
Building a Sustainable Wardrobe
The BC Duo is more than just a bag — it’s a representation of the brand’s vision of sustainability. “Young generations are very sensitive to the idea of buying less but buying better,” Cucinelli told Badia. This ethos aligns perfectly with Brunello Cucinelli’s long-standing philosophy of crafting garments and accessories intended to last a lifetime.
From their meticulous focus on high-quality materials to their signature palette featuring neutral tones such as chocolate and light beige, every aspect of the BC Duo is designed to integrate effortlessly into an enduring wardrobe. “The idea was to create something that complements what’s already in your closet, something you can wear forever,” Cucinelli added.
This approach serves not only the environment but also the customer, who can rest assured that their investment is one that transcends fleeting trends.
Timeless Elegance for Generations
Cucinelli closed the conversation with a hopeful vision for the future: “We want to create something that you don’t store away after six months,” she said. “Something you want to pass down to your son or daughter one day.” The BC Duo bag, like everything Brunello Cucinelli produces, is designed not just for the present, but for generations to come — a symbol of the brand’s enduring commitment to quality, artistry and legacy.
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