Bal Harbour

82 BAL HARBOUR IN 1985, BRUNELLO CUCINELLI founded his namesake clothing brand in Solomeo, Italy, a tiny medieval Umbrian village only half an hour from where he was born. Starting with simple hand-dyed cashmere sweaters, he has built the company over the last 40 years into an Italian luxury lifestyle empire that encompasses everything from men's and women's ready-to-wear and accessories to décor such as pillows, blankets and tableware. And although he has opened boutiques in leading international cities such as New York, Paris, London and Rome, the brand still retains an intimate, small-town feel, with a commitment to craftsmanship and understated elegance that lends itself naturally to resort locales: Capri, St. Tropez, Aspen, St. Moritz—and Bal Harbour. "Bal Harbour is an iconic fashion destination that draws in people from all over the world," says Cucinelli of his decision to open at the Shops in 2010. Now, the 4,000-square-foot space is reemerging after an extensive renovation with a sophisticated new look. "We drew our inspiration from the hamlet of Solomeo, paying close attention to details that allow the customer to breathe the spirit of the Cucinelli brand when stepping into the space," Cucinelli says. " e design elevates the experience to refl ect the beauty of Solomeo with that of the Bal Harbour community, both important hubs for the arts and culture in their own special way." e expansive space is now awash in warm, earthy materials, with Italian travertine marble fl oors, subtle contemporary furnishings and a sleek wood fi replace that anchors the center of the store. " e fi replace is perhaps my favorite addition," says Cucinelli. "I consider it to be a magical place at home where memory, concentration and an eternally young sense of wonder impact my soul like an energizing drive." e warm and inviting atmosphere continues throughout, with details such as an onsite tailor and even a bar serving cocktails for VIPs and special events. All of this serves as the perfect canvas for the main attraction: the clothing. e neutral color scheme of the store perfectly complements the sumptuous off erings on display—particularly the new Fall/Winter 2019 collection, with its simply chic monochrome white, beige, brown and black palette. "Its delicate nuances are enhanced using premium materials and exquisite craftsmanship in innovative ways," Cucinelli says of his latest collection, which includes gorgeous handmade knitwear, classic tailored suits with unexpected twists and delicate use of the brand's signature beaded Monili- chain motif. In addition to the standard range of clothing and accessories that include stylish leather bags and footwear, the Bal Harbour boutique will have items from Brunello Cucinelli's fi rst-ever children's line, as well as a selection of exclusive pieces. Highlights for women include a fringed cashmere wrap cardigan, a gold leather pencil skirt and an asymmetrical silk halter top. Meanwhile, for men, Cucinelli would choose items such as a light cotton corduroy blazer and army green fl annel cargo pants. " e Bal Harbour client is more fashion-forward and looking for color and novelty styles," Cucinelli explains. " ey favor sport chic over more formal looks." Artisanal Touch Brunello Cucinelli's reimagined boutique combines sleek sophistication with the brand's traditional Italian soul. BY AMANDA EBERSTEIN Clockwise from top: The new Brunello Cucinelli boutique; handmade cashmere, mohair and silk cardigan with grommet belt from the F/W collection; the store's interior; a look from the fi rst children's collection.

• Cover