Emilio Pucci

The Drama of War and Postwar Italy Through the Life of One of Its Most Celebrated Icons.

When people think of fashion designer Emilio Pucci, it is of his bright, swirling colors and easy, freeing fabrics, and everyone from Sophia Loren to Jackie Kennedy donning the eye-catching dresses that personify La Dolce Vita. What few know about Pucci, however, is that before creating his world-famous fashions, he played a critical role in the war against the Nazis, risking his life to smuggle out to the Allies one of the most important documents of World War II.

The authors bring to life Italy’s darkest and brightest days, with the extraordinary Emilio Pucci at its center. Italy at the end of the war was broken, and Florence, which the Pucci family had called home for seven centuries, lay in ruins. Pucci returned home bruised in body and soul, having endured trials that would have broken many, but, like Italy itself, rose from the ashes, and went on to design some of the most exuberant fashion of all time. He helped usher in a new era of creativity in Italy, which again became a mecca of fashion, art, design, film, and more.A host of supporting characters―including Mussolini’s daughter and Allen Dulles, and, most importantly, the timeless city of Florence and the mythic island of Capri―enrich this compelling narrative that will draw readers of all kinds, from war and history buffs, to fashionistas and fans of espionage thrillers along with the millions of readers who devour books about Italy and her many charms.

A vivid and fascinating biography of a remarkable man. Long before he became one of the world’s most celebrated fashion designers, Emilio Pucci had been a fighter pilot and victim of both Nazi torture and the duplicity of the future head of the CIA. Skilfully weaving together the history of Pucci’s times with the events of his extraordinary life, Ward and Pucci’s niece tell for the first time the story of his role in saving and smuggling into Allied hands what the New York Times called “one of the most important historic documents of the Second World War.

John Hooper, The Economist, correspondent for Italy and the Vatican, award-winning author of The Italians

A fascinating book…unveiling Emilio’s unknown past. In the end, the arc of his story moves from black and white into brilliant color.

from the Foreword by Suzy Menkes, legendary fashion critic, International Herald Tribune, Paris

Behind the powerful imagery of Pucci designs lies a remarkable tale of courage and intrigue that totally redefines our understanding of this great fashion designer. This is the poignant, gripping narrative replete with alliances, tragedies, manipulation, betrayals and daring – all shadowed by the unexpected in the dying months of WWII.

Alexander Vreeland, Author of Diana Vreeland: Bon Mots, Words of Wisdom from the Empress of Fashion

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Email: sfpr@sallyfischerpr.com
Columbus Circle, NYC

Emilio in torpedo bomber, Libya 1941
Photo Puccio Pucci

Emilio Pucci: The Astonishing Odyssey of a Fashion Icon

“Emilio Pucci’s unlikely role in aiding Allied forces during WWII is chronicled in this thrilling account from documentary producer Ward (Searching for Hassan) and Idanna Pucci, the Italian designer’s niece.”
www.publishersweekly.com

A New Book Reveals Emilio Pucci’s Stranger-Than-Fiction World War II Odyssey

“Reads like a spy novel, but in this case the truth is stranger than fiction. The authors recount the harrowing World War II adventures of a patriot, soldier, and gentleman. Pucci’s is a story of bravery, and a fight for something larger than oneself.“–
–Laird Borelli-Persson, Vogue

The Astonishing Odyssey of a Fashion Icon

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Emilio Pucci: The Astonishing Odyssey of a Fashion Icon

A New Book Reveals Emilio Pucci’s Stranger-Than-Fiction World War II Odyssey

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