Designer Julio Espada is now in his second season at Pucci, attempting to revive the fashion house s glory days and make it relevant for a new generation.
Capitalizing on Pucci s bold, instantly recognizable prints, Espada showed plenty of pretty, girly shorts, scarf sundresses and crisp cotton jackets. Chic, quirky details included cork buttons on poolside robes and mother-of-pearl embroidery on little halters, frothy evening gowns and knotted handbags. The outsized prima-donna sunglasses were also a hit.
The Pucci name, however, has always stood for practicality as much as high-impact glamour. And Espada s collection, though sweet and well-executed, lacked much of the easygoing simplicity of the label s classic jersey turtlenecks and zip-up jackets. Nostalgia alone will not propel this brand into the future.
