Effortless elegance, courtesy of Brunello Cucinelli

The most discerning dressers know that the secret to impeccable style isn’t changing up your look every season; on the contrary, it’s about investing in beautifully crafted essentials that you’ll wear, and cherish, forever. Which is exactly where Brunello Cucinelli’s spring/summer ’20 collection comes in…

Loosely inspired by ’80s-style suiting and the minimalist movement that dominated fashion during the 1990s, this was a collection defined by simplicity. Form and function became one and the same as superfluous detail was dispensed of, in favor of natural fibres, relaxed silhouettes and a decidedly earthy palette. As ever, Cucinelli refused to let faddish trends influence his designs, instead focusing on creating pieces that are covetable, contemporary and endlessly wearable. Take, for example, a cozy cable-knit sweater. Not only is it the perfect accompaniment to everyday denim and wide-leg pants; layering it over a printed tea dress is also a sure-fire way to lend this feminine look an air of insouciance. Similarly, a chunky or vintage-inspired long-line cardigan – this season’s must-have piece – is a chic addition to myriad on- and off-duty outfits. Put a playful twist on tonal dressing by pairing a blush knit with co-ordinating leather pants; needless to say, coming from a designer so concerned with quality, they’re butter-soft.

While the brand was built on knitwear, in recent years tailoring has also become something of a signature for Cucinelli. In keeping with his overall emphasis on ease, the cuts are louche, fluid and universally flattering. A pair of cream, wide-leg, high-waisted pants don’t just have a leg-lengthening effect, by gently cinching the waist they also create definition – resulting in the perfect boy-meets-girl mix. Pair yours with a second-skin roll-neck and loafers for a chic nine-to-five look; then, at the weekend, dress them down with a hooded sweater and box-fresh sneakers for a cutting-edge ensemble ideal for gallery hopping or lunch with the girls.

No doubt suiting fans will also be enamoured by the brand’s dusky pink two-piece. Striking the perfect balance between timely and timeless, not only does this directional suit work for all manner of occasions, it’s also guaranteed to turn heads. Pair with a simple white tee and square-toed shoes for a hi/lo mix that commands presence in the boardroom and makes the desk-to-dinner dilemma a thing of the past; after-dark, up the ante by layering it over a silk camisole, finishing with barely-there sandals, a grab bag and a delicate dusting of diamonds.

In the end, this versatility is where Brunello Cucinelli’s magic truly lies. His precious yet practical pieces are created specifically for women who recognise real quality, and want to ensure that their personality shines through each and every outfit they wear.