The 14 debut models—crafted from acetate, titanium, and horn—are right on time for sunnier weather
Everything in designer Brunello Cucinelli’s world is touched with a certain swooning Italian romanticism. Take the Sartorial Sunset glasses—seen on the male model above—which are part of his recent expansion into eyewear.
The glasses feature the same level of craftsmanship we expect from Cucinelli’s eponymous brand: They’re made in Japan from feather-light titanium (plated in gold) and come in a classic rounded aviator style. But it’s their half-tinted lenses that really embody Cucinelli’s deep passion for his homeland. The lenses are meant to mimic the evocative light at twilight, when many Italians indulge in aperitivo hour, eat light appetisers, sip a negroni or spritz, and catch up with friends—ideally while looking suitably stylish. Molto bene, indeed.
Cucinelli unveiled the glasses in prototypical Italian style, inviting his friends, family, and members of the press to a historic villa in Rome. Models walked the landscaped grounds at sunset, each sporting their Cucinelli look with a pair of stylish frames. The collection consists of 14 styles (10 sunglasses and for optical) for men and women, which range in price from US$643 for a pair of acetate frames to US$2,700 for a set made from natural horn. The lenses are crafted from either photochromic crystal or polyamide to enhance UV protection.
The glasses are built with subtle yet enchanting details: the pins at the hinges are inspired by the heraldic coat of arms of Solomeo, the Medieval hamlet where the brand is based. The nose pads are adjustable, offering a near-universal fit for most frames. And instead of brandishing the logo about, the design tucks it discreetly into each frame’s temple.
Cucinelli’s approach to tailoring and sportswear, not to mention his obsession with craftsmanship and textiles, has made him one of the most sought-after designers working today. He dresses some of the world’s most famous men, including Jay-Z, Jeremy Allen White, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg among them.
Cucinelli, who has a deep love of philosophy, invoked Plato when speaking of the new frames. “Plato said: ‘Beauty is the splendor of truth.’ This is why I wholeheartedly hope that our glasses, which are so true and beautiful, will please customers and achieve all the success they deserve.” Consider it a chance to see the world through Cucinelli’s eyes for a short moment, and, trust us, it’s always la dolce vita from that viewpoint.
This story was first published on Robb Report USA
