SimplyAbuDhabi X

V ery rarely in the world of fashion does a product become so globally important, so universally admired and desired, that iconic status is achieved. The finely crafted Cruciani macramé lace bracelet is today’s fashion marvel. Since being released in August 2011, these beautifully crocheted Cruciani four leaf clover bracelets have become the hottest fashion accessory on the planet. A true socio-economic phenomenon, the brand has now expanded and developed concept Cruciani C stores that sell a wide range of the bracelets and other accessories. There is a long waiting list for these store openings all over the world. There are currently two flagship Cruciani C stores in Milan, with further openings in Verona, Taormina, Capri, Forte dei Marmi, Milan, Palma de Majorca, Madrid, Dubai, Seoul, Monza, Rome, Bormio, Palermo, Beirut, Istanbul, Paris, New York, Shanghai and of course, Abu Dhabi. This June, the bracelets will mark their second anniversary, and yet more than 10,000,000 have already been sold. This kind of aspirational magic that is infused within a product is the stuff of wonder. How such a global success occurs is a mystery, but what is sure is that there is generally authenticity, quality and a significant history behind the triumph. This is certainly the case with Cruciani. The company was founded in 1992 by the Italian businessman, Luca Caprai. His father, ArnaldoCaprai, an important player in the linen and home textiles industry, had been producing cashmere knitwear with modern wearability. But despite his initial passion for such sumptuous andwarmknitwear, Luca Caprai wanted to specialise in ultra-thin clothes and materials that are “impossible to make by hand”. To create this Caprai invested considerably in highly advanced technology. His venture proved successful and his special knits continue to record substantial sales. This became his specialty, something that runs in the family. As he says, “In my family we’re all specialists: I onlymake sweaters, my brother only makes wine, my father only makes lace now, his passion... “ But Cruciani has recently broadened his expertise beyond his beloved sweaters and his company now produces a wide range of products to provide a total look. The Cruciani Collection has been rounded out with a line of leather goods for women – tailored garments such as jackets, suits, trousers, shirts and outerwear, and an initial offering of footwear. Cruciani –TheEvolution ofaFashionPhenomenon TheCruciani bracelet is themost hotly desired fashion accessory of its generation. Jordana Lynch speaks to theCruciani founder, LucaCaprai, about the alchemy of a global fashionmust-have. Cruciani are giving away 7,000 iconic bracelets, eachworthEUR30, in this edition of Simply Abu Dhabi – one for each of our By InvitationOnly Readers. Please find your Cruciani bracelet gift in this Simply Fashion section . Luca Caprai - Photogrpahy By Maria Teresa Furnari 1 3 2 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I