No conversation about midcentury Italian fashion would be complete without a mention of Emilio Pucci . But the renowned designer frequently moved beyond clothing, expanding his oeuvre to include rugs, furniture, and porcelains, three categories that are the basis of the new book Unexpected Pucci ( $90, Rizzoli ). The volume was compiled by Pucci’s daughter Laudomia, with text penned by journalists Suzy Menkes and Angelo Flaccavento, architect Piero Lissoni, and artists Francesco Vezzoli and Joana Vasconcelos.
The ultimate resource for design industry professionals, brought to you by the editors of Architectural Digest
Born in Naples in 1914, Pucci, who had the title of Marchese di Barsento, lived and worked in his family’s palazzo in Florence —the noble Pucci lineage dates back to the 13th century. But despite his ties to Florentine history, Pucci’s work was a symbol of modernism, featuring bright hues and twisted geometric patterns. “Is there any other aristocratic figure who could have—in the same era—waved heraldic flags dating back to the Renaissance period as he led a team of horses through the ancient city; and also designed wildly colorful patterns to decorate airplanes for the burgeoning jet set?” writes Menkes in the introduction of the book.
Though he found great success in fashion, counting superstars like Marilyn Monroe among his many fans, his creativity spilled over into other realms, and his house continues that trend today. Take a peek below at some of the brand’s works across different fields of design as shared in Unexpected Pucci.
Pucci collaborated with the Rosenthal Studio-Line on the Quadratini motif coffee set in 1961.
Philippe Starck’s Madame chair is covered with a Pucci motif in a collaboration with Kartell.
Pucci’s patterns have even made it onto skateboards, as demonstrated by this collaboration with the École Cantonale d’Art de Lausanne.
Cushions with Pucci’s Vivara motif.
Rosenthal Studio-Line vases featuring Pucci’s motifs.
[image 7] Unexpected Pucci, edited by Laudomia Pucci, Rizzoli New York, 2019.