The fashion world has lost one of its iconic figures with the passing of Nino Cerruti, the Italian fashion entrepreneur, and stylist. Cerruti passed away on January 15, 2022, at the age of 91. He was a legend in the fashion industry, known for his elegant and innovative designs and his shrewd business acumen. Cerruti’s legacy is one of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship that continues to inspire generations of fashion designers and entrepreneurs.
Nino Cerruti was born in Biella, Italy, in 1930, into a family of textile manufacturers. His father owned a textile mill, and Cerruti grew up surrounded by fabrics, yarns, and colors. He developed a deep passion for textiles and fashion at an early age, and he was determined to make a name for himself in the industry.
Cerruti studied at the Politecnico di Milano, where he honed his skills as a designer and stylist. After completing his studies, he joined his family’s textile business, Lanificio Fratelli Cerruti, where he became the head of the company’s creative department. He began experimenting with different fabrics, colors, and textures, and he quickly gained a reputation for his innovative designs.
In the 1960s, Cerruti launched his own fashion label, which became an instant success. He was known for his understated yet elegant designs, which were characterized by clean lines, classic silhouettes, and luxurious fabrics. Cerruti’s designs were worn by some of the biggest names in the fashion industry, including Cary Grant, JFK, and Robert Redford.
Cerruti was not just a talented designer; he was also a savvy entrepreneur. He was one of the first designers to create a mono-brand retail network, opening a chain of Cerruti boutiques around the world. He also licensed his brand to other companies, including fragrance, eyewear, and accessories manufacturers, which helped to expand his brand’s reach.
Cerruti’s influence on the fashion industry was far-reaching. He was a mentor and inspiration to many young designers, including Giorgio Armani, who began his career working for Cerruti. Armani credits Cerruti with teaching him the importance of craftsmanship, quality, and attention to detail.
In addition to his fashion career, Cerruti was also a philanthropist and a patron of the arts. He was a collector of contemporary art and supported many cultural institutions in Italy and around the world.
Nino Cerruti was a true pioneer of the fashion industry, whose legacy continues to inspire designers and entrepreneurs around the world. His elegant and innovative designs, coupled with his shrewd business acumen, set the standard for the modern fashion industry. Cerruti was not just a designer; he was a true visionary who changed the face of fashion forever. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
