Store Profile: Brunello Cucinelli

379 Bleecker St.

Style: Italian Sprezzatura.

Known For: Using the best fabrics on earth.

One of our favorite spots in town is the intersection of Perry and Bleecker in the West Village. Within a stones throw away from each other are Cucinelli, Ralph Laurem (Men and Women’s), RRL, Jack Spade, Baby RL, Baby Marc Jacobs, and last but not least, Magnolia Bakery. If you’re a little tired of the hustle and bustle of Midtown, we suggest spending some time here to clear your head. And if you’re looking to do some shopping in your downtime, then this is also a great spot and we suggest you start at Brunello Cucinelli.

Over the last year or so, Cucinelli has grown to be one of our absolute favorite companies for their unrivaled fabrics and casual, yet sophisticated designs. Sure, you’re looking at a pretty steep price tag anytime you make a purchase of a Cucinelli product, but you’re also investing in something that will seriously stand the test of time–and will look good the whole way through. A great thing about the store is that everyone seems to embody the Cucinelli vibe so well that you don’t have stuck-up salesmen or clothing behind glass windows. Everything is well organized–women on the left, men on the right–and there are enough people to help, but not so many that you feel overwhelmed.

When you walk in, you’ll have Cucinelli’s hard to find shoes and accessories to your immediate right, with the full collection in front of you. You’ll be able to spend as much time as you want feeling all of the gorgeous cashmere and be able to talk to a knowledgeable staff member about their meticulous construction. If you need to take a break, you can always sit down in the back left of the store and enjoy a drink or some crackers with cheese or your choice of spreads.

The quality detailing on a Cucinelli garment

While it’s not the biggest space, it houses the best Cucinelli collection you’re going to find anywhere–save, maybe, their Madison Ave. store. The store does a great job of embodying the relaxed elegance that Cucinelli triumphs as they have cashmere soccer balls and suede shoes sitting above the clothing to get you in the mood. So if you’re looking for a place to find some of the softest clothing around or you just feel like talking shop with some smart salesmen, check it out–plus, their previewing some of their F/W 2010 collection right now.

What to get here: Luxury cashmere in all shapes and sizes.

What no to get here: Depends on the depths of your pockets, but the shoes aren’t quite for us.

Price Range: Shirts $300+, Sweaters $400+, Trousers $400+, Tailored Goods $2,000+

Overall: Superb Clothing, Expensive Prices, Great Service. 8.5/10