The small village of Solomeo in Umbria is home to Brunello Cucinelli, that icon of Italian fashion and style.

It’s also where his company is based and where around 800 of its employees live. Brunello Cucinelli, the eponymous brand established by the designer 45 years ago, is today a global enterprise said to be valued at more than US$5 billion.

Solomeo is Brunello Cucinelli. And given Greg’s love of fine clothing, a visit to this hilltop village was definitely on the bucket list.

 

The Cucinelli family has strong ties to this 12th century hamlet in the Umbrian countryside.
The Cucinelli family has strong ties to this 12th century hamlet in the Umbrian countryside.
It's where Brunello's wife, Federica, was born and where the couple raised their two daughters.
It's where Brunello's wife, Federica, was born and where the couple raised their two daughters.
In the 1980s, Cucinelli began what has become a lifelong project to restore the town.
In the 1980s, Cucinelli began what has become a lifelong project to restore the town.
And it's beautiful.
And it's beautiful.
Almost everyone who lives here works in the company, and people love Brunello Cucinelli - the man and the brand.
Almost everyone who lives here works in the company, and people love Brunello Cucinelli - the man and the brand.
He does seem to be a remarkable person, one who lives his values. He has enormous respect for his workers, a firm belief in the importance of dignity for all, and donates vast amounts to charities.
He does seem to be a remarkable person, one who lives his values. He has enormous respect for his workers, a firm belief in the importance of dignity for all, and donates vast amounts to charities.
Cucinelli is also extremely well-read, with a particular love of Greek philosophy. This mural in the village is inspired by Raphael's 'The School of Athens' (with helpful surtitles ... 'Beauty is the splendour of truth' according to Plato, and Aristotle reminds us that 'Philosophy is born of wonder').
Cucinelli is also extremely well-read, with a particular love of Greek philosophy. This mural in the village is inspired by Raphael's 'The School of Athens' (with helpful surtitles ... 'Beauty is the splendour of truth' according to Plato, and Aristotle reminds us that 'Philosophy is born of wonder').
But we hadn't come only to see the village - as it happens, there's a Brunello Cucinelli store here too!
But we hadn't come only to see the village - as it happens, there's a Brunello Cucinelli store here too!
With everything a discerning man (or woman or child) could want.
With everything a discerning man (or woman or child) could want.
Including a great view over the countryside.
Including a great view over the countryside.
But let's start with coffee.
But let's start with coffee.
Before we get down to business. Actually, the people here were really lovely, and fun.
Before we get down to business. Actually, the people here were really lovely, and fun.
Many good options, a couple of trips to the change room, and before long, the deal was done.
Many good options, a couple of trips to the change room, and before long, the deal was done.
Greg loved everything about our visit here - and I did, too. I'm looking forward to my own 'Prince of Solomeo' stepping out in his brand-new Brunello Cucinelli outfit. (Pics to follow! )
Greg loved everything about our visit here - and I did, too. I'm looking forward to my own 'Prince of Solomeo' stepping out in his brand-new Brunello Cucinelli outfit. (Pics to follow! )