In the third episode of Fashion and Florence, we invite you to immerse yourself in the story of Emilio Pucci. In a city where art, fashion, and history are woven together like the most precious silk — and few names capture this seamless blend better than Emilio Pucci. Known around the world as the “Prince of Prints,” Pucci transformed color and movement into a fashion language all his own. But before his signature swirls danced across runways from Milan to Manhattan, his story — like so many great stories — began here, in Florence.
A Florentine Legacy
Born in 1914 to one of Florence’s oldest noble families, Emilio Pucci di Barsento grew up in a world steeped in Renaissance grandeur. He studied in the United States and Switzerland, served in the Italian Air Force during World War II, and was even an Olympic skier. But it was his unexpected entry into fashion — designing sleek, aerodynamic skiwear on the slopes of Switzerland — that would mark the beginning of a revolutionary career.
When Pucci opened his first boutique in Florence in the early 50’s, bringing to his birthplace more than a fashion house, but a new aesthetic: modern, joyful, fluid, and unmistakably Florentine in its flair for boldness and beauty.
Florence in Every Thread
What made Pucci stand apart — and continues to inspire — is his deeply rooted connection to Florence’s artistic soul. His designs echo the city’s frescoes, mosaics, and stained-glass windows. The fluid lines and kaleidoscopic colors of his prints bring to mind the dynamic energy of Botticelli’s flowing hair, the harmony of Brunelleschi’s dome, and the poetic geometry of Tuscan tiles.
In fact, Florence was not just a backdrop to Pucci’s career — it was his eternal muse. From his studio in the Renaissance-era Palazzo Pucci, he infused every creation with the spirit of the city. His vision celebrated Florence not as a relic of the past, but as a living, breathing force of creativity.
A Lasting Influence
Emilio Pucci passed away in 1992, but his legacy continues to dazzle the fashion world. His house remains one of the most distinctive in the industry, celebrating fearless color, feminine freedom, and Florentine elegance. Today, Pucci is more than a brand — it is a tribute to a city that never stops inspiring.
As you stroll down Via Tornabuoni, past the ateliers and boutiques that define Florence’s style, remember: every swirling pattern, every flash of fuchsia or turquoise, might just carry a whisper from Pucci — and from Florence itself.
Antica Torre Tornabuoni & the Spirit of Style
Here at Antica Torre Tornabuoni, we too are custodians of Florence’s legacy — and of its ongoing conversation with beauty, elegance, and expression. Standing just a short walk from Palazzo Pucci, our tower has witnessed centuries of change, from the days of the Gianfigliazzi Family to today’s vibrant blend of culture and couture.
Like Pucci’s designs, the Tower is rooted in history but alive with modern sensibility. When guests walk through our halls or step onto our panoramic terrace, they’re not just seeing Florence — they’re feeling it, just as Pucci once did: a place where past and present meet in effortless harmony.
Keep following our Fashion and Florence series, as we continue to unveil how this extraordinary city inspires, shapes, and showcases the world’s most iconic fashion talents.