Object Voices / The Sixties according to Roberto Capucci

15.04.2021
1960sItalian fashionParisian fashion

The first voice coming from the Fondazione Capucci takes us from Rome to Paris, into the Maestro’s interpretation of the 1960s

Colourful tailleurs, 1960

For Roberto Capucci, the 1950s represented the years of the expression of his talent and affirmation of his name in the international fashion world. After the wave of success from the opening of his first atelier in Rome in 1951, Capucci decided to take his career to another level and, after a triumphant fashion show in the Palazzo Pitti’s Sala Bianca in Florence in July 1961, he opened an atelier in Rue Cambon in Paris.

Optical dress inspired by Victor Vasarely, 1965

His exquisitely made and rare creations attracted the Parisian clientele, fond of his colourful tailleurs. The atmosphere of the city enhanced Capucci’s artistic spirit, which manifested in some of his most well known creations, such as a coat inspired by the op-art works of Victor Vasarely, made in 1965. Towards the end of the decade, Capucci also started to experiment with unconventional materials, such as plastic, PVC and even luminescent beads – something that became part of his artistic language and that he then developed during the 1970s.

Lights on and off, dress made of luminescent beads, 1965

His experience in Paris lasted six years. The atelier closed in 1968, and Capucci moved back to Rome, his city, to pursue other ventures. However, the Parisian years would have a strong influence on the Maestro, allowing him to enrich his expertise and unique creativity with a deep understanding of the sartorial accuracy of the Haute Couture.