Remembering Alessandro Brun: The Architect of Modern Luxury
The announcement of Alessandro Brun’s passing by the Polimi School of Management elicited a profound sense of sorrow and gratitude within me. As an MBA alumnus of Polimi, the privilege of learning under Brun, a luxury maestro in both the luxury brand management specialization and as an academic mentor for my thesis was incredibly humbling. This mentorship, initiated by a peer’s suggestion and enabled by our career counselor, marked the start of a transformative journey that significantly shaped my professional path. Brun’s readiness to mentor me, despite his esteemed position, was both surprising and humbling, highlighting his true commitment to student development.
Brun was more than a professor; he was the epitome of the luxury lifestyle, adeptly bringing the complex world of luxury to life in every lecture. His approach to teaching was anything but conventional; each lesson was an immersive journey into the elegance and intricacy of luxury.
With his roots in Milan, the epicenter of fashion and luxury, Brun’s influence was felt globally, as he shared his expertise and insights across over 20 countries. In 2010, he poured his passion for creativity and luxury into MASQUE, a niche perfumery brand that reflected his scholarly interests and his love for art and fine craftsmanship. MASQUE was more than just a brand; it was a manifestation of Brun’s lifelong dedication to blending creativity with the essence of luxury.
Despite the constraints of pandemic-induced virtual interactions, Brun’s mentorship remained a cornerstone of positivity. He facilitated connections with industry titans like Dennis De Munck from Ferrari, Michaela Fioramonti from Loro Piana, representatives from Azimut and Luxottica, Elisabetta Franchi herself, and Alessio Cain Seren from OTB, and lots more providing us with invaluable insights through discussions, challenges, and case studies. These engagements deeply enriched our academic experience with firsthand knowledge of the luxury sector.
Brun’s forward-thinking plan to extend the luxury brand management program to University Of Wollongong in Dubai deeply resonated with me, due to my upbringing in the UAE. This effort showcased his dedication to broadening the scope of luxury brand management education, emphasizing the critical role of cross-cultural exchange in shaping the industry.
Brun’s legacy within the Polimi School of Management is unparalleled. His innovative teaching methods, his zeal for mentoring the next generation, and his commitment to integrating sustainability into luxury management have made a lasting impact on all who were privileged to be his students. Although we have lost a trailblazer, his teachings continue to guide us toward a future where luxury and sustainability seamlessly converge.
Reflecting on my own journey, the support and confidence Brun offered after my thesis defense were profoundly affirming. His belief in my potential was a significant source of inspiration. Today, as the Editor in Chief and co-founder of Gazetta, I am driven by his exemplary vision to challenge the status quo of luxury publishing.
In commemorating Alessandro Brun, we celebrate an extraordinary mentor and visionary who left an indelible mark on luxury brand management through his wisdom, creativity, and foresight. His enduring legacy is evident in the sustainable practices he championed, the comprehensive perspective he introduced to luxury education, and in the hearts of those fortunate to have been his students, inspiring us to explore the boundless possibilities within the luxury industry.
