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.
$1,121
PUCCI Capri bag
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Rubiera, RE
Emilio Pucci "Capri" little tote bag with shoulder Pink lobster leather with multicolor details Made in Italy Measures: Width cm. 20 Height cm. 14 Dept cm. 7 Shoulder cm. 118 Excelle...
$525 / item
Emilio Pucci Rhinestone Evening Bag
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The most adorable Emilio Pucci evening bag! Black satin fabric with signature Pucci swirls striped down the front. Two small accent buckles encrusted with crystalline rhinestones. Ex...
1990s Bottega Veneta Black Quilted Satin Bag
By Bottega Veneta
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Lovely Bottega Veneta mailbag from the 1990s. Black quilted satin with black top stitching. Demi lune shape with two black pom poms. Black satin interior. The long, thin black strap ...
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent lucite evening bag, 2003
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare clear lucite evening bag with rhinestones lined in black satin with black velvet strap designed by Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent dating to Fall 2003. Bag measures just ov...
$24,200
H 10 in W 11 in D 3 in
Chanel 1994 Backpack Ultra Rare Duma Vintage Red Lambskin Leather Backpack
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Ultra rare Chanel red vintage quilted lambskin backpack with interwoven chain straps 1994 {VINTAGE 28 Years} Gold hardware Double CC turnlock closu...
Gucci F/W 1998 grey silk black floral lace mini bag with wallet
By Gucci
Located in Milano, IT
Gucci by Tom Ford F/W 1998 mini bag Grey silk and black floral lace Embossed leather handle Matching wallet attached Measurements: 18x12x6 cm handle drop 18 cm 8x4.75x2.25 in hand...
Ornate Brass Metal Cherub Emblem Black Cloth Evening Bag c 1950s
Located in University City, MO
Ornate brass metal cherub emblem black cloth evening bag c 1950s The elegant midcentury evening bag is adorned with a brass repousse plaque with a ...
$320Sale Price|20% Off
H 6.7 in W 1.19 in L 8.67 in
Loulou de la Falaise Purple Leather Mini Clutch Bag
By Loulou de la Falaise
Located in Paris, FR
Loulou de la Falaise purple leather mini-clutch bag featuring a trapezoidal shape, a front pleated flap, with a snap closure, a mini back double handle, inside black suede leather. ...
$9,440
H 6.11 in W 0.99 in L 9.38 in
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Padlock Purse Clutch Bag Shiny Brown Crocodile Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Beautiful Authentic Hermès Bag "Padlock" Purse Very rare ! Asymmetrical cut of the flap for a chic and elegant rendering Made in France Stamp N in a circle (1984) Pu...
Iconic Chanel Mini Trendy CC Clutch on Chain Red Lambskin Gold HW Full Set
By Chanel
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Chanel Mini Trendy CC Clutch with Chain – A Pinnacle of Modern Sophistication Experience contemporary elegance with the highly coveted Mini Trendy CC Clutch from Maison Chanel. Ce...
Giorgio’s Vintage Red Crocodile Mini Evening Bag with Gold Hardware
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This vintage mini evening bag by Giorgio’s is crafted in rich red crocodile leather, showcasing a glossy, textured surface that catches light with every movement. Its compact silhoue...
New Badgley Mischka Silk Evening Dress Gown Sz 4
By Badgley Mischka
Located in Conroe, TX
Badgley Mischka Gown Brand New with Tags Size: 4 Shell: 100% Silk Ruffled Front Bodice Jeweled Front Flowing Back Train Side Zipper and Hook Closure Lining: 100% Polyester Midnight B...
David Paris 1920s Multicolored 'Gallenga' Silk Evening Bag with Handle
Located in Sharon, CT
4 1/2" x 4" with a woven silk handle. Abstract multicolored Art Deco stencil printed silk attributed to Gallenga. Bag unfolds with a small interior purse and mirror with snap closur...
New Badgley Mischka Silk Evening Dress Gown Sz 6
By Badgley Mischka
Located in Conroe, TX
Badgley Mischka Gown Brand New with Tags Size: 6 Shell: 100% Silk Ruffled Front Bodice Jeweled Front Flowing Back Train Side Zipper and Hook Closure Lining: 100% Polyester Midnight B...
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Pucci bag
By Emilio Pucci
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PUCCI - (Made in Italy) Multicolored coated canvas and white patent leather bag. Pink canvas interior. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Width : 38 cm - Height : 30 cm - D...
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H 9.06 in W 7.49 in D 13.39 in
1960s Haute Couture Velvet and Brass Iconic Minaudiere Bag by Emilio Pucci
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is a stunning example of 1960s haute couture fashion: a velvet and brass minaudière bag by the iconic Italian designer Emilio Pucci. Luxurious velvet, which gives the bag a rich...
EMILIO PUCCI Onde Nuages print blue yellow leather trim handle tote bag
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Hong Kong, NT
EMILIO PUCCI Onde Nuages print blue yellow leather trim handle tote bag Reference: ANWU/A00927 Brand: Emilio Pucci Material: Cotton, Leather Color: Blue, Yellow Pattern: Abstract Closure: Zip Lining: Fabric Extra Details: Leather trim on handle. Magnetic button at top. Zip wall...
1960s Pucci Multicolor Minaudière Handbag
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the 1960s Pucci Multicolor Minaudière Handbag - a true vintage gem that encapsulates the timeless elegance and vibrant spirit of the era. This exquisite minaudière handba...
1980's Pucci Mini Handbag
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Stunning Emilio Pucci silk mini bag circa 1980s in pristine condition. Emilio Pucci presents his take on the micro hand bag with this gorgeous bucket style purse in a signature Emili...
EMILIO PUCCI Onde Nuages print blue yellow leather trim handle tote bag
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Hong Kong, NT
EMILIO PUCCI Onde Nuages print blue yellow leather trim handle tote bag Brand: Emilio Pucci Material: Cotton Color: Blue Pattern: Abstract Closure: Zip Extra Detail: Leather trim on handle. Magnetic button at top. Zip wall...
Emilio Pucci silk minaudière clutch
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Rubiera, RE
Emilio Pucci minaudière clutch fall / winter 2008 collection Clutch in golden metal with multicolored silk and large clasp in lapis lazuli lucite w...
2000s Emilio Pucci Blue Leather Logo Large Clutch Bag
By Emilio Pucci
Located in London, GB
Emilio Pucci flap over large clutch bag, blue soft leather, statement logo buckle, multicolor glass effect details, signature print lining in white an...
NEW Emilio Pucci by Peter Dundas Embellished Sequin Eagle Head Clutch Bag
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning evening clutch designed by Peter Dundas for Emilio Pucci Embroidered in cheetah pattern with sequins and pearls Eagle head closure clasp Finest nude silk Gold-colored hardwa...
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H 6.3 in W 11.82 in D 2.76 in
EMILIO PUCCI neon yellow scaled pleather black rubber fold over clutch bag
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Hong Kong, NT
EMILIO PUCCI neon yellow scaled pleather black rubber fold over clutch bag Brand: Emilio Pucci Designer: Emilio Pucci Model Name / Style: Foldover clutch Material: Leather, PVC Colo...
EMILIO PUCCI c.1970's Multicolor Print Gold Chain Shoulder Handbag Purse
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Thiensville, WI
EMILIO PUCCI c.1970's Multicolor Print Gold Chain Shoulder Handbag Purse Circa: 1970's Designer: Emilio Pucci Style: Shoulder bag Color(s): Shades of blue, purple, cream, and black. Lined: Yes Unmarked Fabric Content: Silk Additional Details / Inclusions: Geometric print fabric...
Emilio Pucci Iconic Pastel Velvet Box Purse c 1970
By Emilio Pucci
Located in University City, MO
Emilio Pucci Iconic pastel velvet box purse c 1970 The luxurious barrel cylinder-shaped handbag is covered with Pucci's plush pastel velvet print. Emilo's script name is concealed w...