Three Emilio Pucci Dresses, 1960s

The “Prince of Prints” Emilio Pucci (1914-1992) began his career in fashion designing skiwear. An avid skier himself, Pucci began designing ski suits in 1947 and lending them to female friends. On a trip to the Swiss Alps, Pucci and his friends caught the attention of Harper’s Bazaar photographer Toni Frissell. The pictures were published in the December 1948 issue, and shortly after, Diana Vreeland, then an editor at the magazine, encouraged him to design a women's skiwear collection. He seized the opportunity, debuting his first collection in 1950, and quickly became a pioneer in Italian fashion. In 1951, he was selected to present his designs in the first-ever Italian fashion show in Florence. Pucci designed for the modern woman, whose jet-set, active lifestyle necessitated ease-of-movement without compromising style. Though this concept is now taken for granted, it was groundbreaking at the time. In 1954, Pucci won the Neiman Marcus Fashion Award for his innovative use of stretch fabrics, launching the brand’s incredible popularity in the U.S. Pucci is known as the “Prince of Prints” for a reason––the iconic abstract, psychedelic patterns in brilliant colorways were a fixture of his work from the beginning. He drew inspiration for his prints from Sicilian mosaics, the Palio di Siena horse race, the artworks of Botticelli and Brunelleschi, Balinese batiks, and cultural dress throughout Africa and South America, among others. His influence was further cemented by Marilyn Monroe, who loved his designs and was frequently photographed in them. So did Jackie Kennedy–– Pucci was a fixture of her iconic vacation style. Pucci was also very accomplished in the public sphere. He was a member of the Italian Parliament from 1963 to 1972. In 1971, he designed the logo for NASA’s Apollo 15 mission. In 1991, Pucci won the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America award, bookending his success in the fashion industry 40 years after his debut.

THE FIRST
Short sleeve shift dress in printed silk jersey knit. Zipper closure at center back. Unlined. Made in Italy.
Label: Emilio Pucci
Size Label: 10
Style/Serial No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 15"
Chest: 34"
Waist: 31"
Hips: 33"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 36.5"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 16"

THE SECOND
Sleeveless shift dress in printed silk crepe. Zipper closures at side seams. Unlined. Made in Italy.
Label: Emilio Pucci
Size Label: 8
Style/Serial No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 19"
Chest: 32"
Waist: 30"
Hips: 33"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 36"

THE THIRD
Short sleeve dress in printed silk jersey knit. Features a round collar and zipper closure at center front. Made in Italy.
Label: Emilio Pucci
Size Label: N/A
Style/Serial No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 15.5"
Chest: 34"
Waist: 29"
Hips: 35"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 34"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 14"

This lot is located in Chicago.