EMILIO PUCCI

The story of Marchese Emilio Pucci di Barsento, fashion designer, began in 1947. The December issue of Harper's Bazaar published a chance photograph taken by Toni Frissell of a woman wearing an outfit of his design. Pucci’s creations are famous for their geometric prints in a kaleidoscope of colours.

Emilio Pucci, Print Designer
Not meaning to undertake a career in fashion, Emilio Pucci would sometimes design clothes for himself or his friends (the first clothes designed by Pucci were for the Reed College skiing team). American fashion retailers such as Lord & Taylor showed an enthusiastic interest in his creations, and the name Pucci has been synonymous with bright creativity ever since. Initially he used his knowledge of stretch fabrics to produce a swimwear collection in 1949, but soon started making other items such as brightly-coloured, boldly-patterned silk scarves. Stanley Marcus of Neiman Marcus encouraged him to use his designs in blouses and then a new line of wrinkle-free printed silk dresses. Pucci opened a boutique in Rome as sales were up, helped by Capri's role as an international jet set destination.

Known for over 30 years as the "Prince of Prints", his creations were feminine, glamorous and cheerful, featuring eclectic combinations of motifs. Like an artist, he signed all of his designs "Emilio".

After Emilio past away in 1992, his daughter Laudomia Pucci continued to design under the Pucci name. The French Louis Vuitton-Moet-Hennessy Group luxury goods company acquired 67% of Pucci in 2000. Laudomia became Image Director, whilst LVMH brought in top designers such as Christian Lacroix, and in October 2005, Matthew Williamson, a young British designer who has developed his own brand, creating a colourful and glamorous style which echoes the Pucci spirit. While bringing his talent to Emilio Pucci, Matthew Williamson remained the designer of his own brand.

Pucci in 2007
Recently in 2007 Pucci took advantage of its 60th anniversary to expand its visibility substantially. The events that were held in Florence, Tokyo and Miami generated significant media coverage. Revenue for the brand rose sharply. New stores were opened in Japan, Russia and the Middle East. A line of eyewear was launched in September and the perfume Vivara, developed within the LVMH Perfumes and Cosmetics business group, was launched at year-end.

Today, Emilio Pucci has 29 boutiques worldwide and has distribution in multiple high-end department stores.

Emilio Pucci Stores

AMERICA
USA: Boston, New York, Palm Beach, Bal Harbour, Beverly Hills, Costa Mesa, Las Vegas.

DESIGNERS

	Hermes		Pucci		Versace
	Dior		Casol		Ferragamo
	Valentino		Cartier		Fendi
	Missoni		Gucci		Vuitton