Is this a genuine Pucci dress?

mprenee

mprenee

Registered Guest
Hello:

I found this dress in a local online selling page. It looks like Pucci, the label, fabric has the signature but the print looks rare. I wish I could explain myself, the print does not have unifomity all around the dress.

Well, I would like to know if you could tell me if it is a real Pucci and if possible and approximate value.

Thank you!
Renèe








 
I agree that from the fabric and labels, it could be authentic, but to really authenticate it I think you have to hold it in your hand rather than see photos.

The dress looks very short and the hem odd, I would be asking if it's the original length as shortening it will reduce it's value. Or perhaps we're not seeing the full length? If I were you, I would look online and see if you can find something similar. As well, I recommend only buying from dealers you trust (eg VFG members) especially when it comes to designer garments.

Nicole
 
The label and the fabric look fine to me too - but as the others have said, one can't be 100% sure without handling it, feeling the fabric and seeing how it's made. The style does look rather unusual, but with those colors and the shape of the dress, I was thinking this was maybe from the 80s? I think the best-known Pucci patterns and garments we all have in mind are probably the "classic" ones from the 60s, when he was extremely popular. Which doesn't mean he didn't go into different patterns and shapes later. To be honest, I think all the vintage Pucci I've ever seen myself or have pictures of is from the 60s & 70s, as are the two pieces I own myself, so I couldn't be too sure about this dress either.

Karin
 
This month's Kovels on Antiques had a one page article on Pucci. One blouse has a very different print and most of the others are prints which I had not seen. With the exception of the swimsuit and coverup (431.), all prices were less than $300.

Pucci's prints generally started as square scarf prints. Then the bands at the edges were cut off and sewn back in various ways. If you look at most photos you can see this detailing in V neck designs and other neck trims. The fabric is generally silk jersey.

I looked at your photo again. Ask about the vertical stripe at the center of the sleeve. If it is a band, perhaps from an edge, which has been sewn on, I think it's authentic. If it's printed in the center of the design, probably not.

Mr. Pucci was very prolific. I used to visit him when I went to Florence. He told me once that he was asked to create some designs for another firm. Toward the end of the conversation, the person at the other end of the line asked when he would have them ready. He replied that he had drawn them while they talked.

Shortly before he died, I contacted him before I went to Florence. He indicated that he wasn't well but called my hotel while I was there just to be sure I didn't need something. He was truly a delightful and very generous man.
 
Toward the end of the conversation, the person at the other end of the line asked when he would have them ready. He replied that he had drawn them while they talked.
Click to expand...

That is amazing! He also sounds like a delightful person; thanks for sharing this story, Claire!

At the last auction I went to, there were 2 or 3 Pucci pieces, and they were among the highest-bid items. Much too high to purchase for resale, at least for me!
 
Claire, that's very interesting reading! I noticed on my two skirts that the bands at the bottom were sewn on (although you have to look very carefully, because it's so well done - at first glance you'd think it was printed that way). I had been wondering about that, but that does make sense if the prints started out at square scarf prints!

Btw, my grandparents had met Mr. Pucci too (must've been in the 60s or 70s), and I remember my grandpa telling me what a charming man he'd been. Grandpa met quite a few celebrities through his job, but he was always quite discreet about it - it was only in the last years that he told some of the "jucier" stories ;).

Karin
 
That's a wonderful link. The variety is extraordinary.
The photo about 9 or 10 with several dresses has one on the right that is a very "unPucci" type print, but could be in the same collection as the one Renee asked about.
 
Thank you all for the good advice and to Claire for the interesting story! Vertugarde, the photo gallery link is amazing, thank you!

Unfortunately, I will see the dress in person only if I buy it, so there's no way to feel the touch or revise the seams.

I live in Montevideo, capital of Uruguay, a small country in South America. Maybe you heard about us recently because our national soccer team won the America Coup.

The dress is located in Buenos Aires. I have an aunt who lives there so I purchase vintage clothing online and she picks it up for me. Buenos Aires has a great deal of European tradition and great treasures can be found there.

So, I will have to decide the purchase only relying on the photos and the information provided by seller. I will ask him about the vertical band on the sleeve. I will let you know when I have new information.

Wow! This thread is very interesting! Thank you all for your generosity, I am learning a lot here.

Have a nice day.

Renée
 
Hello Claire:

I asked the seller about the band at the center of the right sleeve and he said it is printed. I think I will pass on this one. I am not quite convinced and I cannot revise it personally so it is a risk.

Thank you for your advice and have a nice day.

Renée
 
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