By the mid-1960s, the international fashion press, enamored of his dazzling scarves and slithery dresses in sensuous psychedelic silk jersey, had dubbed Florentine designer Emilio Pucci the Prince of Prints. Less well known is that, starting in the early 1950s, Pucci applied his colorful, abstract patterns to static angular mediums such as ceramics, floors and furniture, imbuing them with movement, not to mention glamour. He was the first fashion designer to enter the lifestyle market, founding the successful brand that exists today.
Born in 1914 to one of Italy’s oldest noble families, Emilio Pucci, Marchese Pucci di Barsento, was a member of the postwar international jet set, hopping from beach to mountain to city. His fashion career began unexpectedly in 1947, when he created a revolutionary stretch ski outfit that was photographed on the Swiss slopes for Harper’s Bazaar.
Eschewing a life of aristocratic glamour, the self-taught Pucci opened a boutique on Capri dedicated to simple resort clothing (think capri pants) that evoked the Mediterranean’s undulating waves and refreshingly bright colors. At the time, luxury fashion was as constricted as a Dior cocktail dress, but the Swinging Sixties were on the horizon. Signed with what Vogue International editor Suzy Menkes calls a “handwritten ‘Emilio’ flourish” — a concept, she points out, as novel as that of designer ready-to-wear — his designs were soon seen on celebrities like Jackie Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe.
From the airline uniforms he created for Braniff in the 1960s to the emblem he crafted for the Apollo XV space mission in 1971, Pucci’s designs were visionary. In spite of his traditional roots (or because of them), the Prince of Prints was forward thinking and outward looking. Pucci put his signature flourish on patterns that were flexible — first for fashion, then for furnishings and objects. Whether on fabric or foam, shelves or sails, as he first explained some 70 years ago, the ornamental designs work in “continuous motion.” Venturing into nontraditional design partnerships, he laid the groundwork for a future brand, a classic legacy that his daughter Laudomia Pucci continues today.
Find vintage Emilio Pucci evening dresses, scarves, skirts and other clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
| Average Sold Price |
| $1,122 |
| Related Designers |
New Emilio Pucci Runway Pumps Heels Wedges Sz 37
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Brand New Emilio Pucci Gorgeous Blue Suede Wedge Heels Size: 37 Suede Adjustable Ankle Strap Pucci Painted Cork Heel Heels: 5" Platforms: 1" New With Dust Cover
$945Sale Price|30% Off
Size: 38.5
Emilio Pucci Python Snakeskin Runway Pumps Heels S/S 2019 Sz 38.5 $1350
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Emilio Pucci $1350 S/S 2019 Worn Once for a Fashion Show Minimal Signs of Wear to Sole Insole, Uppers, Snakeskin and Heel are Perfect Size: 38.5 Blue Python Pink, Blue & Black L...
Printed bikini EMILIO PUCCI
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed bikini . Fabric composition: 82% nylon, 8% elasthane Detachable shoulder strap. Under wired bra. 2 fabric bag provided SIZE 46 (It) 42 (Fr)
Emilio Pucci Underwire Mini Dress
By Emilio Pucci
Located in New York, NY
Unusual Emilio Pucci Underwire Mini in nylon jersey from the 1960's with built in brassiere. X Small size with geometric placed Pucci print. Size 34A vintage. 1960's USA. designed in...
$357
Size: US 4 / UK 8
2000’s Vintage Emilio Pucci One Piece Swimsuit / Bathing Suit / Swimming costume
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Sheffield, GB
A 2000’s vintage Emilio Pucci bathing suit. Featuring the Iconic Pucci house print, high leg silhouette, adjustable / detachable halter back shoulder strap and a backless key-hole si...
Emilio Pucci Purple Print Mini, Formfit Rogers
By Emilio Pucci
Located in New York, NY
Emilio Pucci Purple Print Mini for Formfit Rogers of nylon jersey with signature Pucci graphics. Simple A line shift shape with V neckline. 1960's USA. Medium.
Silk chiffon printed top EMILIO PUCCI
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Silk chiffon printed top = beige silk chiffon lining. under-bust Elastic band. smocks on the back. Zip and hook&eye closure on the left side. SIZE: 38 (Fr) 10 (UK) 42 (It)
Vintage 1960s Emilio Pucci Silk Jersey Psychedelic Print 60s Dress Saks Fifth
By Emilio Pucci
Located in San Diego, CA
Approximately Size US 4-6 📏 Measurements Bust: 36–40 inches (stretch silk jersey) Waist: 27 inches Hips: 40–42 inches Length (top back shoulder to hem): 34 inches A striking and h...
| Sold Date | Sold Price | Category | Period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| $1,122 |
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months |
| $152-$7,320 |
| Sold price range of items in the past 12 months |
The Italian design icon set the course for creating a comprehensive lifestyle brand.
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