E is for Emilio Pucci
Known as "the prince of prints", Emilio Pucci was born in 1914 to one of Florence's oldest noble families and became a fashion phenomenon in the 1950's. A member of the Italian olympic ski team in 1934, in 1947 he was photographed by Toni Frissell, a photographer working for Harper's Bazaar, wearing skiwear Pucci had designed himself. Upon learning this, Frissell's editor asked Pucci to design skiwear for a story on European Winter Fashion, which ran in the winter 1948 issue of the Bazaar.
The exposure encouraged him to create and sell clothes for women, and he opened a couture house in 1950 on the Isle of Capri and also expanded with a couture location in Rome. Pucci became well known for his signature use of bold patterns and striking abstract designs that swirled in a kaleidoscope of colour. Popular early creations were a line of wrinkle-free printed silk dresses and the still popular Capri pants.
In the 1960s Emilio Pucci's designs naturally embodied the post war, jetset glamour that captivated a new group of modern, active women. Pucci was inspired by the natural landscapes of the Mediterranean and exotic cultures, and was driven by the desire to liberate women, granting them freedom and movement. He brought luscious, bright colour to his design, and the effect perfectly captured the new mood in fashion. Although each one is unique, you can't mistake a Pucci print and vintage Pucci has become highly collectible.
After his death in 1992, Emilio's daughter, Laudomia Pucci, continued to design under the Pucci name. The Pucci brand was revived by the French firm Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy Group, who acquired the rights in 2000. Designers who have worked under the Pucci brand include Julio Espada and Christian Lacroix.
In 2006, British designer Matthew Williamson replaced Lacroix as creative director, and Emilio's daughter Laudomia continues to serve as the brand's Image Director.
By Nikki Webber - Christchurch
