Although a trip to Solomeo is highly recommended, trekking to this idyllic hilltop fortress in Umbria is not required to get a full picture of Brunello Cucinelli’s universe. He perfects and reveals its essential elements through his brand, which began as a fashion enterprise and has since expanded to include home furnishings, décor, olive oil, and even wine. (The latter two are available only to friends and family, at least for now.) This fall, after years—perhaps even decades—of hashing out what Brunello Cucinelli eyewear could, and should, look like, Cucinelli debuts a complete collection done in collaboration with Oliver Peoples. On the occasion, he reveals the key components to the good life. —Ashley Baker
Bedtime: Early enough, but not before smoking a Cuban cigar.
Birthday RITUAL: A small gathering with friends and family.
Breakfast, weekday: Cappuccino and brioche.
Car: A Jaguar E-Type made between 1961 and 1975, in Panama color, with reddish interior.
Cocktail appetizer: Bruschetta with a new bottle of olive oil.
Dinner, weekday: It’s always with my family and my grandchildren. I especially enjoy our dinners in the winter months, when we gather and tell each other many stories sitting around by our fireplace.
Dinner, weekend: I love seeing my lifelong friends for dinner on weekends. I know what they’re thinking just by looking at them. Their smiles are all I need.
Dress: I like the idea of refined, sophisticated elegance—the timeless kind that never goes out of style.
