Subscribe to Mstars News!
Sign up for our weekly news updates by entering your email:
Inspired by a rich history in lace and embroidery, the Italian design house of Cruciani introduced an accessory craze that continues to thrive years later! Pharrell Williams wears his on the February 2015 cover of GQ, Beyonce layers them in different shades of blue and Rita Ora rocks them on stage. Indeed, the original macramé bracelets are ubiquitous, in the very best way. What started with a four leaf clover in the colors of the Italian flag has evolved into new designs and colors from butterflies to zodiac signs, from the red bow for AIDS to the pink ribbon for Breast Cancer, from super heroes to a clever Valentine’s Day collaboration with Damiani of hearts and diamonds.
Rarely has a fashion trend been so accessible and luxe at once—it transcends sex, economics, race and religion, anyone can indulge for under $20. It’s a story of family tradition and artistic modernity, beautiful craftsmanship and unwavering passion. Luca Caprai, CEO of Cruciani shared his thoughts exclusively with MStars News.
What inspired the macramé bracelets?
The bracelets are in our DNA because they are born from our company’s tradition in lace and embroidery. My father, Arnaldo Caprai, [who founded the parent company] is the most important collector of lace and embroidery of the world. We even have a Museum in Umbria.
Are they produced in any special way?
Everything Cruciani is 100% produced in Italy. We have a factory in Foligno where we make our cashmere knitwear and the bracelets are created in a non-allergic and nontoxic environment.
Is there a celebrity who you feel embodies the brand ethos?
We have always been lucky because all the celebrities that wear our bracelets are perfectly aligned with our values. We have so many different styles that every celebrity can find his or her own personal signature.”
Is your customer young or ageless?
Eighty-five percent of our customers range from 15 to 35 years old, but we also have women over 65!
A photo posted by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on Sep 17, 2013 at 7:50am PDT
What is the next incarnation of the bracelet? And what has inspired it?
We are constantly inspired by my father’s collection and the world around us. The zodiac, for instance, comes from a personal request from customers that wished not have a permanent tattoo but something equally personal that they could wear when they want.
Will you make them in other materials?
We insert other materials into our macramé bracelets—precious metals like silver or in collaboration with Damiani, we added diamonds.
Why do you think Cruciani bracelets caught on so wildly?
When we talk about the bracelet world, we always think they belong to the world of luxury pop. In fact, they are cool but affordable.
Watch a Cruciani bracelet be created from start to finish below and buy your own here.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
About the Author:
Anne Breza lives in Brooklyn. As an editor/writer at Elle, Glamour, Harper's Bazaar, Los Angeles Magazine, Self, WWD, she has seen it all... but is always looking for the next brilliant star.
