Terence Ward & Idanna Pucci Emilio Pucci Biography review and information book with the astonishing odyssey of a fashion icon. St. Martin’s Press will publish this new book on Emilio Pucci, the Italian fashion icon, on February 10, 2026. Here you can read information about the content of the book, the author and the publication.
Terence Ward & Idanna Pucci Emilio Pucci Biography reviews
- “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, Italy and Vatican correspondent of The Economist)
- “A fascinating book…unveiling Emilio’s unknown past. In the end, the arc of his story moves from black and white into brilliant color.” (Suzy Menkes)
Emilio Pucci
The Astonishing Odyssey of a Fashion Icon
- Author: Terence Ward, Idanna Pucci
- Book type: biography, fashion book
- Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
- To be released: February 10, 2026
- Length: 368 pages
- Format: hardcover / ebook
- Prize: $ 35.00
- Order book from: Amazon / Bol
Blurb of the Emilio Pucci biography
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.