It’s impossible to pack light when you’re faced with Brunello Cucinelli’s autumn/winter collection. Because how are you meant to choose between the cable-knit cardigans, a tweed dress destined to be layered over your favourite (and second favourite) white shirt, and those supersized coats born to swish behind you as you stride along Rue de Rivoli?
As with all packing, it comes down to a balance between temptation and restraint – the impulse to bring every beautiful thing you own, and the inner voice reminding you there’s only so much room in your suitcase. And that pull between instinct and reason is also at the heart of Cucinelli’s autumn collection.
In the brand’s words, its new styles explore ‘the tensions and harmony between instinct and reason, two universal processes that guide both our daily lives and the great dreams of our existence’. Translation: these are high-quality clothes that shouldn’t be saved for special occasions. They’re made to be worn in whatever way feels the most you.
Your classic autumn colours are present and correct (welcome back, burgundy and brown) alongside plenty of tweed and tartan – but with a Cucinelli twist. The brand is all about pops of personality this season, be that through interesting pairings (equestrian-cut trousers worn with feminine flats, for example), or unexpected details.
The equestrian influence feels very autumn-appropriate, too. We’re talking spurred riding boots, horse blazers, a sweeping waterproof cape – even riding helmets. One look even suggests wearing an incredible wool-and-mohair coat, embroidered to look like crocodile skin, with a matching helmet and riding crop. Like we said: a balance between temptation and restraint.
On a final note, the king of cashmere couldn’t send us into colder weather without an incredible lineup of knitwear – including cable cardis, rib-knit dresses and cashmere stripes stitched with a hint of sparkle. Buy a bigger suitcase. We’re taking the lot.
Georgie Young is digital editor of Secret Trips
