Summer fashion is the best. Every year I look forward to buying cute dresses, shorts, mini skirts, you name it. Unfortunately, by the third straight week of oven-like temps, my love affair with warm-weather wear eventually fades into “it’s too hot to wear anything but a white tank and shorts.” That was my summer MO for the longest time until I discovered the perfect solution to my mid-season style rut: a scarf.
I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t it too hot to wear a scarf?” Normally, I’d say yes, unless you’re wearing an ultralight, airy, well-patterned piece like the iconic Pucci scarf. The bold, beautiful, and breathable fabric covered in splashes of twisting, zigzagging, or swirling colors adds just the right amount of pop to awaken any sleepy summer outfit.
The Italian designer Emilio Pucci (aka, “the Prince of Prints”) shot to fame in the 1940s when Harper’s Bazaar photographed a vibrant ski garment that he had designed. A decade later, his trademark kaleidoscope-like patterns signified the epitome of glamor for the post-war liberated woman. Drawing inspiration from exotic cultures, he sought to create designs—everything from ready-to-wear and swimwear to shoes and home décor—that would grant women freedom, movement, and individuality.
Adding a small Pucci scarf to your outfit is indeed liberating, particularly if you’re someone who usually shies away from color. I love wearing mine around my head as a simple summer headband, but my sister (whose recent semester in Paris has left her drenched in chicness) ties hers boldly around her neck and looks gorgeous doing so. This is a piece I feel very lucky to own. I inherited—OK, borrowed—it from my mother who will soon find out when she reads this that she won’t be getting it back anytime soon. Sorry, Mom!
GET THE LOOK
SPLURGE Pucci Foulard Scarf, $295
SAVE Tory Burch Summer Scarf, $99
STEAL JCrew Summer Scarf, $55
[Photography by Seth Elliot]
Published on June 28, 2010
While there are many sites today dedicated to the pursuit of fashion and style, here at MRK Style we approach these subjects through a collector’s lens. Through exploring how people relate to Art, Family, Fashion, Food, Film and Travel—essentially life’s various, everyday obsessions—we reflect on how we all live with the things we love. 
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I love the colors of the scarfs and they very pretty
as a rap in one’s hair. Must think about getting one.
Kay Bertieri
Comment by Kay Bertieri — July 2, 2010 @ 11:03 am permalink