right:
The "Palio" Shirt (KSUM 1985.38.2)

The Pucci style is always easily recognizable but, upon closer examination, his design inspirations were numerous. One of Emilio Pucci's favorite themes, which originated in the 1950's, was based on traditional Italian life. Sienna's Palio race provided the inspiration for a collection that used the distinctive patterns, costumes and flags of the city's Contrade - the different zones of Sienna.

center:
The "Soldiers" Shirt (KSUM 1985.38.4)

A proponent of Italy's glorious past, Pucci mixes Renaissance silhouettes with French and Prussian uniforms from the Second Empire in this soldier's mosaic. The Vatican's Swiss Guards are separated from their neighbors by columns of ornamental trophy motifs inspired by classical Roman themes.

left:
The "Sea" Shirt (1985.38.3)

In 1959, Emilio Pucci announced he was "going to marry a Botticelli". His marriage to Cristina Nannini inspired one of his most beautiful print series based on motifs and elements of Botticelli's paintings. As though emerging from The Birth of Venus, sea scrolls and shells soon found their way into his work.