1990's Gucci Black Lug Soled Loafers
View Similar Items
1990's Gucci Black Lug Soled Loafers
About the Item
Gucci
Long before trend-bucking creative director Alessandro Michele brought his hallucinatory “Utopian Fantasy” campaign to Gucci, it was a modest Italian leather shop. Today, it’s an internationally renowned luxury house with an iconic logo, and vintage Gucci clothing, handbags and shoes are among high fashion's most covetable goods.
Guccio Gucci (1881–1953) admired the stylish suitcases he saw wealthy guests arrive with at the Savoy Hotel in London, where he worked as a bellhop. So, in 1921, after a stint at Franzi, a luggage company in his hometown of Florence, he opened a leather goods shop of his own.
At first, Gucci’s Florence business specialized in equestrian accessories. But as its reputation flourished, particularly among the English aristocracy, so too did its footprint. In 1938, he brought three of his sons — Aldo, Vasco and Rodolfo — into the business and expanded it to Rome and later Milan. In the mid-1930s, a League of Nations embargo against Italy pushed Gucci to experiment with alternatives to imported leather. Its woven hemp fabric from Naples, adorned with the brand’s signature diamond print, was a hit, especially among A-list celebrities. The material was first used on suitcases before finding enduring popularity on handbags. (No list of revered designer purses would be complete without Gucci.)
In the 1950s, Elizabeth Taylor carried one of Gucci’s bamboo-handled tote bags, another adaptation to material rationing. After Jackie Kennedy was seen sporting a slouchy Gucci tote in 1961, it was renamed for the First Lady. Then Grace Kelly, on a visit to the boutique in Milan, inspired Rodolfo Gucci to work with Italian illustrator and Gucci textile designer Vittorio Accornero on the Flora print in 1966. Taking cues from Sandro Botticelli’s Primavera, with its pattern of flora and insects, it was painted entirely by hand and featured no fewer than 37 colors.
In 1953, just 15 days after opening his first store on New York’s 5th Avenue, Guccio passed away at 72. The early 1970s saw store openings in Tokyo and Hong Kong, but by the late 1980s, Gucci was floundering. Rodolfo Gucci took charge in 1982, but family drama and lawsuits ensued. In 1993, Rodolfo’s son, Maurizio, transferred his shares in the company to Investcorp, ending the family’s involvement in Gucci. Dawn Mello, then-president of Bergdorf Goodman, joined as creative director in 1989. But it was Tom Ford, who took over as creative director in 1994, who ultimately revived the brand.
Ford’s racy ads, shot by photographers such as Mario Testino, stirred controversy. And his potent vision of sexed-up femininity — with “jewel-toned satin shirts unbuttoned to there,” as Vogue described his breakthrough 1995 runway show — was wildly successful. The new millennium brought new ownership — Pinault Printemps Redoute in 2004 — and a more toned-down vision from Frida Giannini, who became sole creative director in 2006. Alessandro Michele was named creative director in 2015, and the storied brand took a giant leap forward.
Find vintage Gucci clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 2006 Chanel Spring Collection Leather BootsBy ChanelLocated in Toronto, OntarioBlack leather Chanel kitten heel leather boots from the 2006 Spring RTW collection. Featured prominently on the runway, these black tone on t...Category
Early 2000s French Shoes
- 1980s Mario Valentino Black Suede Knee BootsBy Mario ValentinoLocated in Toronto, Ontario1980s Mario Valentino black suede knee high boots with whipstitch detail. The boots have an almond shaped toe box and a low to mid height block heel. Pirate inspired, the gorgeous bo...Category
1980s Italian Shoes
- 1990's Ann Demeulemeester Black Cut Velvet Kitten Heel MulesBy Ann DemeulemeesterLocated in Toronto, Ontario1990's Vintage black cut velvet western style slides by Ann Demeulemeester. Kitten heel on a heavy cowboy boot style sole. In very good condition with some minor use on the soles. Si...Category
1990s Belgian Clogs Mules
- 2000's Christian Dior Black Suede Over-the-knee BootsBy Christian DiorLocated in Toronto, OntarioChic black suede Dior over-the-knee buccaneer boots in excellent condition. Block heel on a heavy sole, wrap around straps and concealed inside zip closure, silver metal tone buckle ...Category
2010s French Boots
- 2000's Mint Manolo Blahnik Gold Leather High HeelsBy Manolo BlahnikLocated in Toronto, OntarioUnused gold leather Manolo Blahnik court pumps in size 6.5 US. Slight curve to the heel, in mint condition.Category
Early 2000s Italian Heels
- 2000's Christian Dior Taupe Suede over-the-knee BootsBy Christian DiorLocated in Toronto, OntarioChic taupe suede Dior over-the-knee buccaneer boots in excellent condition. Block heel on a heavy sole, wrap around straps and concealed inside zip closure, silver metal tone buckle ...Category
2010s French Boots
- Atelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7By Atelier VersaceLocated in Buchanan, MIAtelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7Category
20th Century Italian High Heels
- Atelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7By Atelier VersaceLocated in Buchanan, MIAtelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7Category
20th Century Italian High Heels
- Atelier Versace Black Satin High Heels, Never Worn Size 7By Atelier VersaceLocated in Buchanan, MIAtelier Versace Black Satin High Heels, Never Worn Size 7Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian High Heels
- PRADA black/orange leather Mules, late 1990sBy Prada, Miuccia PradaLocated in Genève, CHEasy to wear mules with front metallic chain detail with little bow. These beautiful sandals were worn little times and are in very good conditions (front sole has been change becaus...Category
1990s Italian Sandals
- PRADA F/W 2021 Runway Platform Boots Miuccia Prada Raf SimmonsBy PradaLocated in Berlin, BEIncredible platform boots from the third collection co-designed by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simmons. This Prada Fall Winter 2021 collection was inspired by the idea of change and transf...Category
2010s Italian Block Heel
- SAINT LAURENT Farrah Star Platform SandalsBy Saint LaurentLocated in Berlin, BEThe most incredible 1970s inspired platform sandals by Saint Laurent with star embellishment. The model is Farrah. These rare platform sandals are the perfect statement shoe! These...Category
2010s French Sandals
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Explore a Century of Gucci Fashion in London
The iconic Italian label’s traveling exhibition has just arrived in London.
The Stories behind the Most Famous Luxury Fashion Logos
From Chanel to YSL, the logos of some legacy fashion houses spark instant brand recognition and have come to symbolize a kind of luxury that feels at once aspirational and attainable.