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I knew there would come a month that I was moved to pull out one of my favorite vintage collections of one of my favorite designers.My collection of vintage Emilio Pucci is probably quite valuable,and maybe even somewhat impressive.From time to time I pull it out and wear it,but I am always conflicted about how I look in it.Which moves me to ask the question.
EMILIO PUCCI ,DO YOU WEAR IT, OR DOES IT WEAR YOU?
I tend to be (and have always been)rather fearless in my wardrobe choices.I recieved my first 2 pieces of
Emilio Pucci when I was in High School,from one of my best male buds mom. My knowledge of designers was already geekily encyclopedic. So it seemed logical to my benefactor to pass these treasures down to me.When you are very young you simply don't care if someone notices the dress more than you. In fact ,thats what you hope for.
I think we all know these looks were meant to be viewed in an editorial setting,but ofcourse if I could have googled this image back then,I would have probably tried to emulate it.
In the late 40's Pucci began designing skiwear. He himself had been a member of the Italian Olympic Ski Team,so he knew his stream lined ,and bright graphic leggings would work very well for that sport.
As his designs evolved from resort wear to his own house of couture,he was even ask to design flight attendant uniforms for Braniff Airlines,they were ofcourse the perfect compliment to the modern jetset!
The classic "Bubble Helmet",was used by the then called stewardesses,to walk from the aircraft to the terminal. Their bouffant hairdo would be safe from the rain and the powerful wind from the jet engine.
This is the first of the 2 dresses that were gifted to me. It is from the early 70's I believe,and its color scheme goes quite well with my own coloring. I am using a simple chain link metal belt to cinch it,and like architecture,this works by echoeing the circles in the print. I wore this dress quite often during the 2nd trimester of both my pregnancies(unbelted ofcourse),and I must say its bold graphics cheered me immensely.
Juicy pulp fiction novelist ,Jacqueline Susann certainly wore her Pucci well,but there is just something about the shape of her hair, the arch of her brow,and the dramatic line of her eye-liner that almost makes her part of the print.
This is the dress that re-ignited my pondering of whether or whether not Mr Pucci's designs wear you.
I recognized this iconic dress immediately on Cat Deeley.Her casual hair and superfluous jewelry make this knockout beauty recede into the background. All I notice is the dress,worn poorly by dear Cat.
This is truly how this dress should be worn,although I believe had Ms, Deely worn her hair slicked into a chignon with dramatic makeup and more appropriate earbobs,she would have certainly made my best-dressed list.
Linda Evangelista needs never to worry about the clothes wearing her,shown here in an early 90's incarnation.
I believe Ms Deeley(obviously a Pucci fan) is wearing her dress much more succesfully here.Notice the bold lipstick and how the soft wave of her hair mimics the movement in her dress almost exactly.
This is from the Fall 07 line,it is an archival print that matches...
...the 2nd of my wonderful High School presents. Do you see how the wave of my hair competes with the geometry of the print. I usually slick my hair into a low ponytail ,while wearing Pucci,but,as you can tell from my expression, I must have been in a mood.
This long velvet "maxi" skirt zips up the front to reveal some leg.
This time I accesorised with the same silver link belt as a neclace,and a simple ribbed tank.
This beautiful silk blouse is usually worn 'neath my overalls,but I wanted you to see the whole print(you may click to enlarge any image).
Can you imagine my gasp,when I found this purse for 5 dollars at the thrift!I try to carry it when I wear the shirt.
One of my scarves. I think this might be my oldest piece. Perhaps hearkening back to his ski design days.
Do you see the tiny ski lifts?
Three cotton hankie size scarves suitable for framing.
This piece is a most unusual shape. I picked it up for 25 cents at an estate sale 2 doors down from my own house. I folded it into a halter design and put a Kowalski shirt underneath.
Emilio Pucci did a lingerie line for the Formfit Rogers company. Every blue moon I find one at the thrift,like this slip! It is very sheer.I love to work with sheer!
I have layered it with 2 see-thru vintage pieces,pearls,and skinny jeans,which I generally use more as leggings than jeans.
Maybe just the cami. Now this look could work with the waves in my hair.
Another Formfit Rogers nightgown,worn as a dress by me,here with leopard pumps.In the end it is the wearer that must "own" her look. You must always have the confidence to say it looks good because I say it does!
Freedom salutations,from Barbie,Skipper,and Brad! Happy birthday America !
Malibu Francie,Fluff,and Ken would also like to join in on the celebrations."Whats that you say,celebrations?".Yup,July, the same month that brought you the signing of "The Declaration of Independence",also brought you the birth of Jungle Dream Pagoda!I have lots of fun planned for my blog-o-versary month,but 1st,some long overdue thankyous and sharing of goodies!
Look at what came in the mail from Jennifer of the wonderful Martha-esque The Felt Mouse! Do you see the pagoda? She was unsure of what this lovely hand-painted piece of silk was but felt it belonged with me.
I must say ,as I unwound ,and continued to unwind the this amazing piece of art,I thought I might be stumped as to what this was too.The images seemed to be telling a story.Suddenly the paintings changed directions.It was a sari!
Somehow,this beautiful garment is telling someones autobiographical tale.Do you see what the mommy is doing? You may click to enlarge.Thankyou Jennifer!
Another long overdue thankyou,I owe,is to thoughtful Maryann of A Very Mary Design. She sent this wonderful tee awhile back. Isn't it groovy?!!?? You may see an adult tee,but I see a little girls dress. You will when I am finished.Thankyou again Maryann,and sorry it took me so long!
I wanted to share some of the artwork that goes on at the Pagoda. My girls are prolific.Doesn't this cupcake girl (by my oldest)remind you of Vanessa's work?In a very simplistic form ofcourse!
My Littlest Blossom is into drawing girl vampires! Where did this inspiration come from? Could be big sisters daily dose of "Buffy",could be ,could buzz(gratuitous Bard quoting)!
Look at these pagoda-fied paperdolls I found!
...and this tiny pagoda was a gift from my own big sister!
For my birthday my talented sister gave me a Dawn that she had turned into a mermaid. Hmmmm,puts me in the mood for A Dollie Doppleganger Story....
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