Summer is just around the corner, and I am reminded of my love for the fabulous swirls and poppy colors of classic Pucci designs.
Here is a terrific article about the artistry and creativity that Pucci embodies, extending even to the shop mannequins:
Among some of the most memorable mannequins produced by Pucci include lifelike renditions of Christy Turlington and Beverly Peel for exhibits at New York’s Metropolitan Museum. However, the biggest changes occurred once they started experimenting with fashion realism and in turn took it upon themselves to commission fashion illustrators and designers to help realize new ideas."Two such influences were designers Anna Sui and Karl Lagerfeld” says Pucci. “When you commission outside people you get a re-invention if you like of the world of mannequins.”
In 1971, Emilio Pucci designed his fourth (and my favorite) collection for Braniff International flight attendants:
Pants, scarf, umbrella, over-the-shoulder bag and raspberry red shoes - some with one red, one green heel complete the ensemble. The reversible wool coat is in pink and raspberry wool.
Looking at the photos and reading the description of Pucci's evocative vision of an international travel lifestyle, I'm reminded of how glamourous flying used to be, and what a wild, gorgeous time my mother must have had as a jet-setting flight attendant in the 1970s.
Assouline has a new book out on Pucci.
To quote Diana Vreeland, "With health, a good figure and brown skin in the summer, people should spend very little money on their clothes." While vintage Pucci costs a fortune, a sensationally summery wisp of a cotton scarf can be had for a mere forty dollars these days.
And in related news, Pucci artistic director Christian Lacroix muses on the divergent tastes of the Lacroix and the Pucci woman ("FAVORITE CHARITY OR CAUSE? Lacroix, in aid of Africa or AIDS — good works. Pucci, Save Venice."), which Absolutely Fabulous character wears Pucci, and more in this Time article.
This post is dedicated to my sister Paige, who adores all things Pucci, especially the rain boots.
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