Don Emilio Pucci, Marchese di Barsento (20 November 1914 – 29 November 1992) was a Florentine Italian fashion designer and politician. He and his eponymous company are synonymous with geometric prints in a kaleidoscope of colours. His designs came to wide attention in 1947, and I seem to remember a “revival” in the 1960’s which is where I came in.
As the fabric was quite lightweight I added a lining of fine cotton. This is attached to the outer fabric at the neckline and armholes only and otherwise is quite separate. I drafted an all-in-one facing for the neckline and armholes as this is what I prefer for sleeveless garments. I also dropped the bust dart by 1 inch. As I was making up the dress, at first fitting I discovered that I could put the dress on without the short vent with button and loop closure at the rear neckline so this was closed up. At this stage I also added the tie belts to the side seams together with in-seam pockets. The neckline and hem on the outer garment are finished with my favourite twin needle stitching. The lining hem is overlocked and I will be adding some lace trim to finish that. I have cut out and prepared the patch pockets but in the light of the “busyness” of the print have not attached them to the dress.
The colours in the print design are ideal to co-ordinate with both my Lands End cardigan (pictured above) and Edinburgh Woollen Mill polo neck sweater.