Four Emilio Pucci Tops, 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
Sleeveless top in printed silk with sequin, bugle bead, and rhinestone embellishments throughout. Snap closures at shoulders. Made in Italy.
Label: Emilio Pucci
Size Label: 12
Style/Serial No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 15.5"
Chest: 36"
Waist: 37"
Hips: 39"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 28"

THE SECOND
Sleeveless top in printed silk. Zipper at side seam. Made in Italy.
Label: Emilio Pucci
Size Label: 12
Style/Serial No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 14"
Chest: 34"
Waist: 31"
Hips: 37"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 27.5"

THE THIRD
Long sleeve button-down in lightweight printed cotton with Mandarin collar and fabric-covered buttons. Made in Italy.
Label: Emilio Pucci
Size Label: 10
Style/Serial No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 16"
Chest: 35"
Waist: 31"
Hips: 36"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 25.5"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 29"

THE FOURTH
Long sleeve button-down in printed silk with round collar and fabric-covered buttons. Made in Italy.
Label: Emilio Pucci
Size Label: 10
Style/Serial No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 16"
Chest: 38"
Waist: 35"
Hips: 38.5"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 25"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 27"

This lot is located in Chicago.

Condition:

THE FIRST
The overall condition is good, with moderate wear consistent with use. Scattered areas of missing embellishments. Discoloration/fading at shoulders and neckline.

THE SECOND
The overall condition is very good with light signs of visible wear.

THE THIRD
The overall condition is very good with small areas of missing threads at underarms.

THE FOURTH
The overall condition is good with discoloration spots at left front and left sleeve.

Everything is sold 'As Is’. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please email [email protected] with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]

Please contact the Auction Specialist for details.

Tanner Branson

Associate Vice President, Head of Department, Luxury Handbags & Couture

[email protected]312 280 1212

Tanner Branson joined Freeman’s in 2022 where he provides streamlined services for couture clients evaluating and appraising luxury handbags and luxury goods. Mr. Branson brings over a decade of experience in the luxury market working for brands such as The Row and Brunello Cucinelli. He has also collaborated with celebrity clients to curate personal and public wardrobes and done commercial and editorial styling work for print and digital publications internationally. At Freeman’s Mr. Branson combines his endless passion for fashion history and luxury goods with his educational background. He has a BA in Fashion Business from Columbia College. Mr. Branson is affiliated with various auxiliary boards including the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum. Mr. Branson also appears on the top-rated PBS television program Antiques Roadshow.

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For questions about shipping or packing, please contact [email protected] or see our Shipping/Packing page.

Four Emilio Pucci Tops, 1960s

This lot is located in Chicago.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

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Four Emilio Pucci Tops, 1960s

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