Famous designer Nino Cerruti died on Saturday January 15 at the age of 91. A true figure in 20th century men’s fashion, he founded the Cerruti house in 1967.
It’s a great loss for the fashion world. This Saturday, January 15, the famous Italian designer Nino Cerruti dies aged 91. He died in a hospital in Vercelli, Piedmont, where he was for a hip operation, according to the site of the Corriere della Sera. “It is a giant among Italian entrepreneurs who is leaving“, reacted the Italian Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Gilberto Pichetto. “A great innovator, a creative visionary and precursor to many of today’s realities“, meanwhile expressed Carla Capasa, president of the National Chamber of Italian Fashion.
Big name in high-end men’s fashion of the 20th century, Nino Cerruti marked the world of ready-to-wear with its innovative style and his elegant creations, but relaxed. In particular, he introduced the notion of “smart casual“by inventing, in the 1970s, the first deconstructed jacket. The one who preferred the term “style” rather than that of “elegance”, too old for his taste, founded the Cerruti haute couture house in 1967.
A duet with Giorgio Armani
Born September 25, 1930 in Biella, he was forced to abandon his studies in philosophy at the age of 20, after the death of his father Silvio, to take over the family textile factory, which he directed until his death, thus burying his dream of becoming a journalist. In the 1960s, the creator met a certain Giorgio Armani, four years his junior, and hired him as a designer for men. The duo, which had a profound impact on the fashion world, separated a decade later, after Armani decided to found his own house in 1975.
His costumes worn by Jean-Paul Belmondo
In the 80s, Nino Cerruti created a line of sportswear, the great success of which allowed it to be represented by top athletes such as the American tennis player Jimmy Connors. He later served as the official team designer for Ferrari in Formula 1. His talent has also earned him the appreciation of famous French actors. John Paul Belmondo and Italian Marcello Mastroianni, who both wore his costumes. As a reward for his work, he was named knight of labor in 2000.
Article written in collaboration with 6Medias.
Photo credits: COADIC GUIREC / BESTIMAGE