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.
$500Sale Price|23% Off
1960s Emilio Pucci Multicolored Laminate Printed Sunglasses, France
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Ferndale, MI
Emilio Pucci laminate signature printed plastic sunglasses. Light smokey-blue hued lenses. Made in France. Measures: Hinge to hinge 5.5" Arm length 4.88" Height of eye frame 2.13"...
Plastic
$960 / set
H 9.26 in Dm 2.76 in
Vintage Fabergé "Snow Doves" Crystal Glasses France, 1960s Dove Stemmed
By Karl Fabergé
Located in Bastogne, BE
Fabergé "Snow Doves" Crystal Glasses, Set 4. Enchant your senses with these exquisite vintage crystal glasses from the renowned House of Fabergé. Part of the coveted "Snow Doves" c...
Crystal
$460
H 3.13 in W 11.38 in D 3.75 in
Gorgeous Brass Lizard Nutcracker Vintage, France, 1960s Mid Century Modern
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s french large and heavy nutcracker shaped like an lizard. Nice addition to your room, to use it as is or just for your collection of bronze items. Found at an esta...
Bronze, Brass
French Hollywood Regency Brass Bar Cart with Star Motif c. 1960s
By Maison Baguès, Maison Jansen
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Roll into cocktail hour in style with this chic French 1960s Hollywood Regency Maison Jansen / Maison Baguès attributed brass bar cart. Glamorous. Ornate. Festive. The details. Two tiers both with glass shelves surrounded by pierced brass galleries that showcase a rare and unique star motif. The stars add a regal look and shine. Serving cocktails or nosh is easy. Top shelf lifts easily an functions as a serving tray with ornate brass handles. Empirical neoclassical inspired leg detail. Light patina throughout highlights a look of old money...
Brass
Hermes Equestrian Wine Bottle Topper, 1960s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful vintage Hermès equestrian bottle topper. Large horse head atop a rounded pedestal. Hermès Paris stamped on outer rim. Stunning accent piec...
Metal
Murano glass ashtray around 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Murano glass ashtray around 1960s Brown with clear glass Partly cut glass Original condition
Murano Glass
Bamboo Portable Bar, France, 1960s
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet, Vivai del Sud
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A refined portable bar crafted in bamboo, produced in France in the 1960s. Both sculptural and functional, this piece reflects the period’s enduring fascination with organic materi...
Bamboo
Mortar and Pestle Set in Olive Wood, France 1960s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
This vintage mortar and pestle set, crafted from olive wood, dates back to the 1960s and was created by a skilled artisan. Exquisite brutalist design ! The mortar showcases a beau...
Wood, Olive
Vintage Mid Century Ice Bucket, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Every good party needs cold ice and this is just the bucket to keep it that way! This beauty fits in with any decor. Mid Century sleek. Perfect for your next soiree or party of one! ...
Metal
Silver Metal Bottle Opener Duck, Kitchenware, France 1960s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Silver Metal Bottle Opener Duck, Kitchenware, France 1960s. Vintage bottle opener from the 1960's figuring a duck. Very fine, chiseled details to depict the plumage on the body. N...
Metal, Silver, Iron
1960s Gold Printed Presidential Coins Highball Glasses Barware Set of 6
By Bob Wallack, Cera, Culver Ltd.
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Midcentury vintage set of 6 pieces highball glasses 1960s gold printed presidential coins. Set of 6 Cera 22-karat gold signed glassware barware. Gold and black coin design. The glasses feature "US Coins" in black and 22-karat gold Mid-Century Modern barware glasses by Cera. This collectible barware is so mad men!! How wonderful it will look in your Mid-Century Modern bar. And so much fun to use to serve your guests. The highball glasses are marked with the Cera half and half crown...
Glass
$948Sale Price|20% Off
H 23.63 in W 22.05 in D 13.78 in
Midcentury French Riviera Bamboo and Rattan Italian Magazine Rack, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful magazine rack and a bottle holder. It was produced in Italy during 1960s. It is made of bamboo and rattan, with two shelves for magazines, a smaller one on the top and a...
Bamboo, Rattan
Hermes Wine Bottle Topper, 1960s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful vintage Hermès equestrian bottle topper. Horseshoe shape on top and "Hermès Paris" embossed on outer rim. Beautiful accent piece to elevate any bar, bar cart or dinner tabl...
Metal