Pucci Prints in the Swinging Sixties

1. Origins of Pucci Prints

The stylish Italian aristocrat Emilio Pucci’s fashion career began unexpectedly in 1947 after he designed ready-to-wear ski outfits for himself and his girlfriend. American photographer Toni Frissell captured the fashionable pair with the images being given to iconic Harper’s Bazaar editor, Diana Vreeland who asked Pucci to design skiwear for a magazine piece on European Winter Fashion, for the winter 1948 issue. He later designed a swimwear line in 1949 before moving on to his now iconic ties, scarves, dresses and free flowing co-ordinated trousers suits.

Pucci drew inspiration from diverse sources for his vivid designs — from the Palio di Agosto and the Bali Batiks to the vivid hues of the Mediterranean as well as African and Sicilian mosaics. His prints, often reminiscent of abstract art, were a departure from the more restrained designs of the previous decade.

2. Signature Aesthetic

Dubbed ‘the prince of prints’ by the media, the hallmark of Pucci prints lay in their kaleidoscopic complexity. A wide array of designs were created on silk, each piece signed in his own handwriting, and turned into a multitude of designs, each a celebration of movement, capturing the dynamism and fluidity of the times.

3. Popularity Among the Jet Set

The Pucci phenomenon found its fervent admirers among the jet set - the glamorous and high profile elite who frequented luxurious resorts and cosmopolitan destinations. In 1962, George Barris shot a now iconic photo of Marilyn Monroe wearing the Pucci ‘Specchi’ shirt, with Jackie Kennedy also seen wearing Pucci at this time further cementing its status as a symbol of sophistication and modernity.

4. Influence on Fashion and Beyond

The influence of Pucci prints extended beyond clothing. Their bold and graphic nature found expression in accessories, home decor, and even airline uniforms. Pucci's collaboration with Braniff International Airways in the mid-60s resulted in a revolutionary approach to airline fashion, with cabin crews donning vibrant Pucci-designed uniforms.

5. On The Road

In the 1970s, Ford-owned Lincoln collaborated with a number of designers including Pucci, Givenchy and Cartier, asking them to imagine a car that embodied the luxury of Italian fashion. A Lincoln Continental Mark IV, was designed to reflect each respective fashion house. In the case of the Pucci design, the opera window featured Emilio’s signature and a plaque was mounted on the dashboard plated in 22-carat gold.

Legacy in Modern Fashion

While the heyday of the 1960s has passed, the legacy of Pucci prints endures. The swirling patterns and vivid colours continue to inspire contemporary designers, and vintage Pucci pieces remain highly sought after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts.
Emilio Pucci's prints were not merely fabric; they were a visual symphony, a testament to the spirit of an era that embraced change, liberation, and a riot of colours. Today, Pucci prints stand as an eternal homage to the exuberance of the Swinging ‘60s, a time when fashion broke free from convention and embraced a kaleidoscope of possibilities.