Fashion Icon: Emilio Pucci

Fashion Icon: Emilio Pucci

October 5, 2021

The Prince of Prints, Emilio Pucci, an iconic Italian designer and politician was born into Florentine nobility, served as a fighter pilot for the Italian Air Force in WWII and spent most of his life in the family’s palace, Palazzo Pucci, in Florence. Originally, his big break was when his ski wear was featured in Harper’s Bazaar. He studied at the University of Milan and then at the University of Georgia in the United States. He earned his MA in political science from Reed College in Oregon. He was an avid sportsman, which is the origin of his designs (allowing for movement).

He was the first designer to create a one piece ski suit for women. He outfitted the 60’s jet set… with an eye on vacation living, he turned his attention towards swimwear and his first store was opened in the resort town of Capri. Eventually, his line was all encompassing, growing beyond sporty stretch wear to include daywear and eveningwear.

One aspect of his designs will always be signature: Pucci Prints. The prints are unique and distinct. All of his prints are easily recognizable which has earned him the title of “Prince of Prints.” Even Marilyn Monroe adored wearing his clothing. I think his prints are timeless and modern all at once. It’s amazing to think he spent so much of his time in the Palazzo Pucci and yet his prints are such a vivid contrast against that classical backdrop of a home. His designs are a visual feast. The 1960’s were his peak… the prints are still groovy to me. The staple item of his line during that time (which Marilyn Monroe was seen wearing) was a shift dress with his classic prints. These dresses were what people would become accustomed to knowing as classic Pucci. When Braniff Airlines decided they wanted new air hostess uniforms, they called on Pucci to design them… and those uniforms were absolutely amusing.

Even NASA requested that Pucci design the logo of the Apollo 15 mission to the moon! Fashionable astronauts are quite groovy. Pucci’s prints defined some of the best looks of a generation’s lifestyle… and yet, his prints still resonate today. He designed throughout his entire life until his death in 1992. In 2000, LVMH purchased a 67% stake in the company and Pucci remains a strong brand, true to its ideals of ‘putting the fun in luxury’ to this day.

The Prince of Prints, Emilio Pucci, an iconic Italian designer and politician was born into Florentine nobility, served as a fighter pilot for the Italian Air Force in WWII and spent most of his life in the family’s palace, Palazzo Pucci, in Florence. Originally, his big break was when his ski wear was featured in Harper’s Bazaar. He studied at the University of Milan and then at the University of Georgia in the United States. He earned his MA in political science from Reed College in Oregon. He was an avid sportsman, which is the origin of his designs (allowing for movement).

He was the first designer to create a one piece ski suit for women. He outfitted the 60’s jet set… with an eye on vacation living, he turned his attention towards swimwear and his first store was opened in the resort town of Capri. Eventually, his line was all encompassing, growing beyond sporty stretch wear to include daywear and eveningwear.

One aspect of his designs will always be signature: Pucci Prints. The prints are unique and distinct. All of his prints are easily recognizable which has earned him the title of “Prince of Prints.” Even Marilyn Monroe adored wearing his clothing. I think his prints are timeless and modern all at once. It’s amazing to think he spent so much of his time in the Palazzo Pucci and yet his prints are such a vivid contrast against that classical backdrop of a home. His designs are a visual feast. The 1960’s were his peak… the prints are still groovy to me. The staple item of his line during that time (which Marilyn Monroe was seen wearing) was a shift dress with his classic prints. These dresses were what people would become accustomed to knowing as classic Pucci. When Braniff Airlines decided they wanted new air hostess uniforms, they called on Pucci to design them… and those uniforms were absolutely amusing.

Even NASA requested that Pucci design the logo of the Apollo 15 mission to the moon! Fashionable astronauts are quite groovy. Pucci’s prints defined some of the best looks of a generation’s lifestyle… and yet, his prints still resonate today. He designed throughout his entire life until his death in 1992. In 2000, LVMH purchased a 67% stake in the company and Pucci remains a strong brand, true to its ideals of ‘putting the fun in luxury’ to this day.

Pucci lived a tremendous life. Not all of it was as glamorous as what his designs are, but what remains is a timeless legacy, and that is rosy.

American actress Marilyn Monroe (1926 – 1962) wearing a peacock-patterned Pucci dress, Beverly Hills, California, July 1962. The two sessions for the photoshoot took place in late June and early July, only weeks before her death on 5th August 1962. The images were published posthumously in Vogue magazine under the title ‘The Last Sitting’. (Photo by Bert Stern/Getty Images)

NASA’s Apollo 15 mission logo design by Emilio Pucci

Pucci’s wife, Cristina Nannini

Palazzo Pucci in Florence

References: Wikipedia & 5 Minute Fashion – Emilio Pucci

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