Italian Brunello Cucinelli founded his company in 1978 to produce women’s cashmere sweaters but soon transformed the cashmere knitwear industry with his innovative, whisper-weight, two-ply boldly coloured sweaters. Working in a 14th-century medieval castle in the rural hamlet of Solomeo, Cucinelli’s hometown, he uses only the finest raw materials for his much sought-after sweaters. Today, he continues to surprise with luxurious, whimsical designs that stay true to his trademark sartorial craftsmanship.