MILAN, Feb 23, 2007/ FW/ --- Emilio Pucci was born Marchese Emilio Pucci in Naples on 1914. A scholar and an athlete, he was a member of the Italian ski team in 1934. He studied at the University of Milan and finished his masteral degree from the University of Portland (OR).

He went back to Florence for his PhD (1941), right after which Europe became a battlefield for World War II. Emilio Pucci received a commission of fighter pilot in the Italian Air Force where he received several decorations as war hero.

After the war, the young Marchese went back to the life of an aristocrat and took up skiing once again. One afternoon in 1947 at St. Moritz changed his life - from a nobleman to a fashion emperor. Toni Frissel of Harper Bazaar shot one one of his creations.

When the photo was printed at the December issue of Harper Bazaar, American retailers which included Lord & Taylor went gaga with the avant-garde design. Orders came in and Marchese Emilio Pucci became, Emilio Pucci, King of Prints. His fashion career would span 45 years, ending with his death in 1992.

Emilio's daughter, Laudomia currently holds the post Image Director for Emilio Pucci.

Puerto Rican-American Julio Espada was appointed Artistic Director in November 2000. An accomplished designer in his own right (he won the Outstanding American Designer of the Year Award), he established his own label, House of Julio and worked with Marc Jacobs and was Creative Director for Perry Ellis.

Julio Espada left Pucci in April 2002 and Christian Lacroix was named Artistic Director a few days later.

Christian Lacroix will stay until 2005, showing his last collection for Pucci during the Spring 2006 Milan season (Sep 2005).

Matthew Williamson followed his path, being named Artistic Director a week after Lacroix's departure. Williamson debuted for Pucci during the Fall 2006 season (Feb 2006).

Fall 2007 Photo by Giovanni Pucci

Spring 2007 Photo by Giovanni Pucci

Website: www.emiliopucci.com

PUCCI
Palazzo Pucci
Via de Pucci 6
50122 Florence
Italy
Tel: 39-055-28-30-61
Fax: 39-055-28-04-51

Press Contact for
EMILIO PUCCI Womenswear
Karla Otto
Tel: +39 02 65 56 98 1
Fax: +39 02 29 01 45 10

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