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.
Emilio Pucci Jeweled Bracelet Bangle Lucite with Silk Inclusion
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Atlanta, GA
Emilio Pucci designed this stunning bracelet bangle, crafted from gilded metal, acrylic, and silk. The massive bangle shape features a clear acrylic resin or Lucite band with multico...
Gilt Metal
Emilio Pucci Stacked Silvered Spacer Bracelet Bangle with Lucite and Silk
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Atlanta, GA
Emilio Pucci designed this stunning stacked bracelet bangle set, crafted from silvered metal, acrylic, and silk. The bold bracelet comprises five spacer bangles, two in silvered meta...
David Webb Platinum and 18 Karat Gold Diamonds, Cabochon Emeralds Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Vintage bracelet by David Webb crafted in 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum, mounted with 14 lovely green cabochon emeralds and round cut diamonds. Bracelet Width: 0.8 inches Inside Cir...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$9,700 / item
13.45 Carat Emerald Diamond Enamel Bracelet Cuff
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A stunning enamel bracelet handmade in 18K gold & sterling silver. It is set in 13.45 carats emerald & 3.67 carats of diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest ...
Diamond, Emerald, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold, Enamel
$8,625Sale Price|25% Off
W 1.25 in L 7.5 in
4-Strand Japanese Cultured Pearl Bracelet with 18 Karat Gold & Diamond Bar Clasp
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
Classic and elegant is the best way to describe this magnificent Japanese cultured pearl bracelet. Comprised of 4 rows of (86) 7mm cultured pearls and enhanced with 18kt white gold dividers. The stunning 18 karat white gold and diamond bar clasp...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Coral Bracelet.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Retrò bracelet mounted with two strands of coral alternated with little structures in silver and a clasp in silver. This bracelet was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths an...
Coral, Silver
Trifari Alfred Philippe Moonstone and Ruby Golden Leaf Bracelet
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Trifari, Alfred Philippe Retro sterling vermeil golden leaf link bracelet of faux moonstone cabochons and ruby crystals. Each leaf panel is further accented in minute crystal pave r...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Gilt Metal
Turquoise Diamond Bracelet Floral 14K Rose Gold Mesh Cuff
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Turquoise Diamond Bracelet Floral 14K Rose Gold Mesh Cuff Gorgeous Turquoise Bracelet Gold Mesh. The main presentation holds 15 genuine Earth mined Tur...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Charles Turi 18 Karat Yellow Gold 4.02 Carat Diamond "Berlingot" Link Bracelet
By Charles Turi Jewelry Co.
Located in New York, NY
Designed by the legendary Charles Turi Jewelry Company. This bracelet is composed of 12 satin finished "Berlingot" links. The pillow sachet shaped links are set with diamond swirls with shiny outlines that give a cloud like feeling. The bracelet measures 6.25" long. 176 Round diamonds =4.02 carats Signed TURI 18K
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Snake Bracelet Turquoise 10k Gold
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A beautiful Antique snake bracelet, made of 10k gold, featuring turquoise. The bracelet’s band is made of intricately woven gold links, giving it a flexible, almost fabric like quali...
Turquoise, Gold, 10k Gold
1940s Retro Ruby and Diamond Watch, Bracelet and Brooch Clip
By Concord Watch
Located in Wailea, HI
1940's Retro Ruby and Diamond Watch, Bracelet and Brooch Clip A Truly Remarkable Piece of Jewelry The Watch Detaches As A Stand Alone Brooch Clip Three Carve Rubies Weighing .75 Cara...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Lagos 18 Karat Yellow Gold and 3.20 Carat Diamonds Wave Bracelet
By Lagos
Located in New York, NY
18 karat yellow gold and diamond bracelet designed by Lagos . The bracelet is designed with 11 links set with round brilliant diamonds. The li...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Infinity Motif and Invisibly Set Ruby Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful 18kt yellow gold bracelet features 1.30 carats of diamonds pave set in an infinity motif connected by 2.68 cts of invisibly set rubies. This bracelet is 7" long
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
$29,500
W 0.63 in L 2.38 in
18Kt Gold, 10.35Ct Pink Sapphire and 3.91Ct Diamond Harlequin Pattern Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Designed with 10.35 carats of square calibre cut Pink Sapphires and 3.91 carats of princess cut white Diamonds, this vintage bracelet remains timeless. Set in 18 karat yellow gold t...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold