Nick and Lee Pucci started a mannequin repair business in the 1950s, and their son, Ralph Pucci, joined in 1976. Fast forward to 2024, and the gallery owner, mannequin designer, and entrepreneur behind Ralph Pucci International stands as a pillar of the global creative landscape, partnering with and uplifting the premier artists and designers of our time with dynamic spaces in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.
The luxury furniture, lighting, and mannequin company unveiled a scintillating show on the occasion of New York Design Week, and Pucci took a moment during a busy spring schedule to discuss with Whitewall the city’s exhibitions on his must-see list and delicious dining spots.
Courtesy of Ralph Pucci.
WHITEWALL: Can you share details on what you’re presenting during NY Design Week?
RALPH PUCCI: We have a huge show across both floors of our gallery on 18th Street, with terrific new works in the Penthouse by Belgian designer Xavier Lust called “The Alchemist” and canvases by Rebecca Moses called “Bohemian Gardens”. On our 11th floor, we have “Beautiful Imperfections,” a celebration of the woods local to Chris Lehrecke’s studio in the Hudson Valley. We’ve exhibited together for 28 years, so it is particularly exciting to show his son, August Lehrecke, in the same space. He went to RISD but I’ve known him since he was crawling. He’s made these terrific reed sculptures which I think bring a whole new perspective to Chris’ work, too. Oh, and paintings by Spencer Fung and our longtime photographer, Antoine Bootz are showing a series of amazing, almost painterly digital series called “Swimming Lesson.” Everything will be up through summer.
WW: What are you looking forward to in New York in May? (NYCxDesign, among gallery openings, dinners, parties, etc.)
RP: Well, it’s almost over and we need a long weekend after an opening with 800 guests on Monday! In June, we’re looking forward to the Phillips Auction which has great works by Elizabeth Garouste who we’ve worked with for a decade.
WW: What do you have your eye on at NYCxDesign? (Any particular booths/works other than yours?)
RP: I loved the work of Aurélie Hoegy who I met at Spaceless Gallery in Brooklyn. I love to see work that is different, and that’s why I love checking out young artists and designers.
WW: What are the exhibitions on your must-see list? (At galleries in the city)
RP: I just stumbled into the new Yves Klein show at Lévy Gorvy Dayan uptown, a great show and beautiful space. I hope to get to White Cube for the Gormley show that closes in a month.
“I love to see work that is different, and that’s why I love checking out young artists and designers,” — Ralph Pucci
WW: Where are your go-to places to grab a bite or drink after the fairs/opening?
RP: I love Basta Pasta for lunch, my stalwart for over 20 years! We just had our artists dinner post-opening again at da Umberto which is always a hit!
Ralph Pucci’s Best of New York this Spring:
1. Journey through the Ralph Pucci New York Gallery at 44 W. 18th Street
Xavier Lust, “Alchemist Commode,” Edition of 8 + 4 AP, Glossy Lacquered Wood, 61.4″ W x 19.7″ D x 34.6″ H; courtesy of the artist and Ralph Pucci.
RALPH PUCCI International is a luxury furniture, lighting and mannequin company headquartered in New York City. What began as a family business in the 1950s fabricating mannequins has grown to a gallery regarded as one of the best in the world, with outposts now in Miami and Los Angeles. — Source
2. Discover New Treasures at Phillips Auction House
Courtesy of Phillips.
Phillips: where the world’s curious and bold connect with the art, design, and luxury that inspires them. As a leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st century works, Phillips offers dedicated expertise in the areas of Modern and Contemporary Art, Design, Photographs, Editions, Watches, and Jewelry. Auctions and exhibitions are primarily held in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, with representative offices based throughout Europe, the United States, and Asia. Phillips offers a regular selection of live and online auctions, along with items available for immediate purchase. Phillips also offers a range of services and advice on all aspects of collecting, including private sales and assistance with appraisals, valuations, and financial planning. — Source
3. “Yves Klein and the Tangible World” at Lévy Gorvy Dayan
Installation view of “Yves Klein and the Tangible World,” courtesy of Lévy Gorvy Dayan, New York.
On April 11, 2024, Lévy Gorvy Dayan will open Yves Klein and the Tangible World, an exhibition devoted to the engagement of the body in the visionary French artist’s oeuvre. Curated in collaboration with the Yves Klein Foundation, the presentation brings together nearly 30 examples of Yves Klein’s Anthropométries(1960–62) and Peintures de feu (Fire Paintings, 1961–62), as well as Sculpture tactile (Tactile Sculpture, conceived c. 1957) in the first focused juxtaposition of these works. — Source
4. Antony Gormley: “AERIAL” at White Cube
Antony Gormley, “AERIAL,” White Cube, New York, 30 April–15 June 2024;
© Antony Gormley, Photo © White Cube (Theo Christelis).
White Cube is pleased to present ‘AERIAL’, an exhibition by Antony Gormley, in which the artist considers sculpture as an instrument for proprioception – the body’s innate capacity to sense and perceive its position, movements and orientation in relation to itself and the environment. The exhibition features two recent developments in Gormley’s practice: one explores physical proximity in mass and scale, where two over-life-size bodies merge as one, while the other endeavours to catalyse space almost without mass. — Source
5. Experience the Vibrancy of Basta Pasta
Courtesy of Basta Pasta, New York.
The restaurant was designed with an open kitchen with a concept of having a cooking show in the restaurant. After some successful years in Tokyo, Basta Pasta NYC opened its door at the Flatiron location in 1990. Our dishes are carefully crafted with fresh seasonal ingredients by Japanese chef Takada. When his creation meets Italian tradition, it will bring you to a unique dining experience. — Source
6. Classic Tuscan Fare with a Contemporary Twist Awaits at da Umberto
Courtesy of da Umberto, New York.
One of New York’s top Italians since 1987, class remains the hallmark of the Assante family’s renowned ristorante. da Umberto serves up lovingly prepared classic Tuscan with contemporary twists- complimented by an acclaimed wine list – delivered with that special touch by its cordial team. The old-world charm mixed with the cosmopolitan, vibrant setting set the stage for a sophisticated transporting experience. “da Umberto is about appreciating our roots while implementing current trends,” says Vittorio Assante, “maintaining tradition with innovation, remembering who we are and where we come from and doing it with contemporary sensibility.” — Source
