Volume 5
Issue 1
Winter 2012
Emilio Pucci
Letter from the Editors
Articles
Articles
American Fashion, Italian Style
Naomi Huober
Keywords: Italian Fashion / Pucci / Sportswear / Valentino / Gianfranco Ferre
Abstract
Following World War II, the U.S. collaborated closely with the Italian textile industry, helping to rebuild a centuries-old tradition of designing and manufacturing fine fabrics. At the same time, the Italian fashion industry marketed its designers to the American consumer. Both countries had flourishing film industries, and exposure to Italian designers grew through Italian and U.S. films. Popular actresses like Elizabeth Taylor and Rita Hayworth wore Italian designs, and the American public followed suit. In particular, Italian designers helped develop the growing sportswear industry, inspiring contemporary American designers to create sporty and casual garments well suited to the American lifestyle.
full text / pdf 
Missoni: The Influential and Everlasting Power of Pattern
Emily Vartanian
Keywords: Missoni / Diane von Furstenberg / Knitwear / Forever 21
Abstract
Since 1953, the Italian fashion brand Missoni has pioneered innovative knitwear design. Color, pattern and the finest materials launched the brand into the forefront of Italian fashion design, and the company’s extensive use of computer technology made Missoni the standard by which today’s knitwear is measured. Missoni’s influence on American knitwear is undeniable, and the company’s impact is found today at both high-end ready-to-wear brands like Diane von Furstenberg and at mass market retailers like Forever 21. The company continues to stretch the capabilities for knitwear and will, without doubt, influence American design for generations to come.
full text / pdf
Emilio Pucci, King of Prints
Audrey Diestelkamp
Keywords: Pucci / Anna Sui / Mossimo / Macy's
Abstract
Emilio Pucci’s signature style and core values have translated well to a wide variety of American designers, retailers and price points. Pucci’s bright hues, vivid colors and pop prints have inspired high-end designers like Anna Sui as well as the merchandisers at moderately priced retailer Macy’s and mass marketer Target Stores. Marketing a line of attractively priced garments under the Mossimo label, Target has been able to maintain a commitment to style, fit and attention to detail that was at the heart of the original Pucci designs.
full text / pdf
Emilio Pucci: Revolutionizing Textile Design
Samara Cifelli
Keywords: Emilio Pucci / Diane von Furstenberg / Suki Cheema / Nieves Lavi
Abstract
Emilio Pucci’s influence on American fashion design is undeniable, but his contribution ranges far beyond the runway. During the 1960s and '70s, Pucci explored and pushed the boundaries of textile design through both art and science. His contributions to color chemistry, graphic design and textile engineering laid the groundwork for American designers from Diane von Furstenberg to home goods innovators like Suki Cheema and Nieves Lavi to explore and create fabrics that owe their inspiration to the Italian “Prince of Prints.”
full text / pdf