he founder of Gucci was born in Florence, Italy, in 1881. He later moved to London as a young man, working as a bellhop at the famous Savoy Hotel in 1897. The upper crust of London and the world used to stay at the Savoy, so Guccio saw many glamorous people carrying all kinds of beautiful luggage. It was in that moment that he felt inspired to one day create his own line of luxury luggage. The spark for Gucci was born.
He went with a horse bit theme for the first line he created because he associated horse riding with the aristocratic and wealthy people who used to stay at the Savoy Hotel. Guccio opened his first boutique on the Via della Vigna Nuova in Florence, his hometown. Even though he was specializing in artisan luggage made with the finest Tuscan leather, he quickly expanded into other materials. In the 1930s, canvas became a durable material to use, so Guccio was able to use it to make Gucci’s first signature print: two diamond motif emblems in a rich dark brown interlocking on a lighter tan background. This print was a huge hit for the design house, which was beginning to expand into larger offerings, and was a precursor to the famous interlocking GG logo that is still so famous today.
A boutique in Rome soon followed, with Guccio’s second store opening in 1938 on Via Condotti. Over the years as Guccio and his wife, Aida Cavelli, expanded their family, his business was helped by his three sons: Aldo, Vasco, and Rodolfo. He eventually had six children in total. Aldo specifically was instrumental in helping him open that second store in Rome, insisting that his father needed to expand their luxury offerings in order to stay successful. They also helped Guccio expand into other materials, including hemp and pigskin, since Italian leather was hard to acquire during World War II.
AS THE HOTEL
THE FOUNDER OF
GUCCI
WAS BORN IN FLORENCE, ITALY, IN 1881. HE LATER MOVED LONDON AS A YOUNG MAN, WORKING
AS A BELLHOP
THE FAMOUS SAVOY HOTEL IN 1897. THE UPPER CRUST OF LONDON AND THE WORLD USED
TIME FOR A CHANGE
Alessandro Michele is widely recognized for his transformative role as the Creative Director of Gucci. He is known for revitalizing and redefining the brand’s aesthetic, infusing it with a distinct blend of eclectic, vintage-inspired designs
he first controversy over Alessandro’s work was in 2018 and was around the cruise and resort wear collection. It involved a puffedsleeve jacket that was branded with the Gucci logo, but it was inspired by “Dapper Dan.” Dapper Dan was a designer from Harlem who made a name for himself creating counterfeit creations that were stolen from real design houses during the 80s and 90s. In a way, it was like Gucci stole Dapper Dan’s ideas. This was a bit ironic, considering Dapper Dan made a career out of counterfeiting other designers’ work. Eventually, due to the backlash, Alessandro had to reach out to Dapper Dan and do a collaboration with him that premiered in Gucci’s men’s line that fall.
Shortly thereafter, more backlash was caused by another one of Alessandro’s designs: a balaclava sweater in black with red lips that went over the model’s head, covering half of her face. Oddly enough, it looked a bit like the practice known as “blackface.” Following that mishap, Gucci went to the length of hiring inclusivity professionals to help the brand be more sensitive going forward.
Unfortunately, the company didn’t learn their lesson as a couple of seasons later, they were again accused of racism. Alessandro sent a model down the catwalk wearing a Gucci-branded turban, which is an article clothing that Sikhs usually wear on their heads. To make matters worse, this $800 Indy Full Turban was showcased on a white male model during a 2019 runway show. Whoops. Not the best move, and the item was quickly pulled from the sales floor.
One other interesting time that Gucci was in a bit of hot water was during a 2022 ad campaign, when they used real tigers in a menswear ad. Animal rights groups came out against Gucci, saying that the use of real wild animals glorifies captivity, even though Gucci made it very clear that the tigers were photographed in a separate and very safe environment.
DAPPER DAN Dapper Dan, on the left, with rapper Dave East at the Power of Influence Awards in New York, 2018.
FEMININE TOUCH
Alessandro’s first collection for Gucci was the men’s collection in 2015. The color red played a significant role in the collection, which had a feminine touch and elegance.
HEADLESS
Models strutted down the runway showcasing the brand’s Fall/Winter 2018-2019 collection while carrying replicas of their own heads.
STYLISH MOTHER
Gucci has launched a wide range of products that are not always seen on the red carpet. Here, a new mother is seen with a diaper bag in Gucci’s iconic design.
HOME DECOR and LIFESTYLE
Under the decor and lifestyle categories, Gucci makes a variety of items for the ultimate Gucci lover that work well in the home. Tableware, furniture, textiles, and other home accessories, to name a few, will outfit a place with ornate Gucci style. They make great wedding gifts, too. Beyond that, there are baby items, kitchen and bar supplies, and even an entire Gucci pet collection. So, if you want to outfit your pooch in everything Gucci, from dog leashes to bowls and even Gucci pet sweaters, it’s all available.
1947 THE GUCCI BAMBOO
The handbag that started it all was the Gucci Bamboo 1947. The reason Guccio Gucci created this specific handbag was that, shortly after WWII, some materials were rationed and hard to find. He had to come up with new materials to use, and bamboo was one of them. Ever since then, the bamboo handle has cemented itself as an instantly recognizable, iconic piece of hardware used by Gucci in many incarnations of the famous bag. The bamboo treatment process for making this handbag is an interesting one. When you picture bamboo in its natural state, it’s tall and green. When the bamboo is treated for use in making the Gucci Bamboo handbag, it’s baked to a gorgeous rich brown and covered in a shiny lacquer substance. The first version was used on a saddle-type bag. Recreated over the years in different sizes, you can now get this bag in many colored leathers and canvas styles, even high-end crocodile for a luxe look. The latest version comes in an adorable pink patent leather mini bag with “GUCCI” in big letters across the front, gold hardware, and a bamboo closure along with the famed bamboo handle. You can’t go wrong with this first and classic handbag.
“GUCCI IS IN A LEAGUE OF ITS OWN. IT’S ALWAYS BEEN AHEAD OF THE CURVE AND ALWAYS WILL BE.”
Rihanna
GUCCI LOVE PARADE 2021
Another cool pop culture moment when Gucci ruled was during the Gucci Love Parade show in 2021. The runway show was held outdoors on the famous Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. The show featured over 100 looks with so many famous people in attendance, including Lizzo, Dakota Johnson, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Miley Cyrus, that it was as star-studded as any red carpet premiere or award show. Searchlights gleamed in the sky above the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the El Captain Theater marquee was lit up with the words “Gucci Love Parade.” It was truly one of the most memorable moments Gucci has had in the modern era.
“GUCCI
IS LIKE STEPPING INTO A DREAM, A WORLD OF ENCHANTMENT AND LUXURY.”
Madonna
DAKOTA JOHNSON
Actress Dakota Johnson is a huge fan of the Gucci Jackie 1961 bag. She’s been spotted with so many versions of it that Gucci decided to make her the star of its ad campaign a few years ago. She looks stunning in the layout with head-to-toe Gucci, of course. One of the best looks is an athleisure-inspired one that has her in yoga pants and a top with a large light blue GG print all over a navy background with orange detailing. The Jackie 1961 handbag in that look was royal blue crocodile with gold hardware. Gucci to the gym? Yes, please.
GUCCI
THE ESSENCE OF UNFOLDED
Dive into the captivating world of Gucci with this stylishly curated book that encapsulates the essence of fashion, fame, and glamour. From its iconic designs to its illustrious history, immerse yourself in the allure of one of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands.
Discover the dazzling evolution of Gucci, from its humble beginnings in Florence to its global prominence on the runway and red carpet. From Kate Moss and Amber Valetta to Gisele Bündchen. From Jennifer Lopez and Salma Hayek to Michelle Obama and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, a history buff, or simply captivated by the world of luxury, this book is a must-have addition to your collection. Step into the world of Gucci and be inspired by its unparalleled legacy of style and sophistication.
