When Brunello Cucinelli launched its BC Duo bag in Hong Kong in April, the Italian luxury brand did so with a presentation that elevated the bag to a piece of art. The bag was displayed atop geometric sculptures, emphasising its own trapezium shape. Under the spotlight, the bag’s buttery leather façade shone, and you could see the fine stitching that connected the bag’s angular panels together like pieces of a puzzle.
The BC Duo marks the first key bag that Carolina Cucinelli and her sister, Camilla, have designed together as co-creative directors of Brunello Cucinelli. At the brand’s Hong Kong event, Carolina highlighted the significance of the bag’s launch: “Camilla is the person that I share my life with. To have something together, to design together… Of course, it’s not the first time, but the [BC Duo bag] is something that represents the bond between us.”
The BC Duo bag also embodies many of the design values that their father, Brunello Cucinelli, has imparted on the creations of his namesake brand over the last forty-plus years. The bag has a pared-back elegance that will stand the test of time. It is carefully and beautifully crafted at the hands of the brand’s artisans. As precious as it looks, the BC Duo bag is intended for everyday use. Offered in four sizes, from mini to large, the accessory is made to be “adaptable to different moments throughout the day,” Carolina tells GRAZIA Singapore.
In other words, the BC Duo is versatile and functional—not merely a ludicrously capacious bag. Sophisticated celebrities like Anne Hathaway, Katie Holmes and Park Shin-Hye, who have all been spotted out and about with the bag, can attest to that.
Above all, the BC Duo reflects Brunello Cucinelli’s concept of “gentle luxury”, which the brand’s founder defined as “creativity and genius that do not cross the line” and “finding beauty in simplicity.”
Ahead, Carolina Cucinelli tells us what else makes the Brunello Cucinelli BC Duo bag so special.
How would you describe the creative process that you share with your sister, as co-creative directors of Brunello Cucinelli?
Carolina Cucinelli (CC): Our creative process is truly a synergy. While we have different sensibilities, we are both deeply rooted in the brand’s core values, and that strikes the perfect balance. Camilla has extraordinary sensitivity and experience when it comes to material research, colour palettes, and the essence of design itself. I support her greatly in both design and creativity, seeking to explore new shapes and ideas in order to meet the expectations of the diverse markets we serve. It all stems from a shared foundation— our profound respect for the brand’s DNA.
How did you and your sister approach designing your first bag together?
CC: In truth, we have always collaborated on the collections—this time, however, our imprint was more marked. We wished to be direct witnesses to a creation dedicated to all women. The BC Duo bag had to be versatile, functional, and aesthetically refined all at once—and adaptable to different moments throughout the day. Every detail, from the geometric lines to the choice of materials, was carefully considered to express understated elegance and what we call “gentle luxury”—an aesthetic philosophy that has always guided our brand.
What are some noteworthy craft techniques or design details that you think make the BC Duo bag truly special?
CC: The BC Duo bag is truly unique in its geometric construction, which reflects the highest standards of craftsmanship. Each panel is sewn with fine topstitching, highlighting the natural harmony of the form and the preciousness of the materials. One particularly distinctive detail is the inner clasp, which allows the bag to transform from a spacious shopping bag into a more compact, cubic shape.
Timelessness is always at the heart of the brand’s designs. Do you foresee the BC Duo bag being passed down from generation to generation, as other Brunello Cucinelli pieces are?
CC: Absolutely. The BC Duo was conceived as an object that goes beyond seasons and trends. Like all our collections, this handbag was designed with longevity in mind—beyond passing fashions. The quality of the materials, the craftsmanship, and the attention to detail make it an accessory that can be handed down, a true symbol of timeless elegance.
For Spring/Summer 2025, the BC Duo bag comes in lamé leather and denim. Why did you choose to work with these materials?
CC: We chose lamé for its ability to impart a subtle sophistication, as well as its metallic sheen that catches the light beautifully. Denim, on the other hand, is a material rich in history and inherent strength—yet when treated with care, it feels utterly contemporary. Both materials add an unexpected dimension to the BC Duo Bag, enhancing its versatility.
Personally, how and when do you use the BC Duo bag? And what is your favourite style to use at the moment?
CC: I use the BC Duo bag whenever I need an accessory that can take me from morning to evening, whether for work or a more casual engagement. I adore the large version for its versatility, but at the moment, my favourite is the mini—perfect for the evening, when I only need the essentials. It is functional, elegant, and adds that touch of refinement to any look. In fact, I like to think the bag makes the look.
What is the most rewarding thing about being able to work with your sister in helming the family business?
CC: The most rewarding aspect is that we share the same vision, but with complementary approaches. Working together is a constant source of growth—we challenge and inspire one another, becoming a united force capable of bringing ideas to life that perhaps neither of us could achieve alone. It is a joy to see how our family bond is transformed into something creative and productive, which in turn is reflected in the quality of our collections.
Why do you think Brunello Cucinelli’s concept of “gentle luxury” speaks to women today?
CC: “Gentle luxury” is a kind of luxury that does not shout—it is quietly powerful. Today’s women are highly attuned not only to quality but also to sustainability and authenticity. We believe this approach aligns perfectly with contemporary values, where elegance is not showy but rather lived gently—through meticulous attention to detail and the highest quality of materials. It is a luxury perceived in the longevity, functionality, and enduring beauty of each piece.
What are some upcoming projects in the year ahead that you’re excited about?
CC: There are many exciting projects in the offing, but one in particular is the expansion of our vision around craftsmanship and innovation. We are exploring new materials and new collaborations that will carry forward our commitment to timeless elegance, always with an eye on contemporary needs. It will undoubtedly be a year centred around the concept of “evolution”, which, to me, doesn’t mean changing what we are, but rather giving voice to the natural adaptations required by today’s markets, all while remaining true to the brand’s founding philosophy.
This story first appeared in the June/July 2025 issue of GRAZIA Singapore.
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