Gucci Italy Caramel Brown Leather Blondie Shoulder Bag c 1970s
View Similar Items
Gucci Italy Caramel Brown Leather Blondie Shoulder Bag c 1970s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Height: 9 in (22.86 cm)Length: 11 in (27.94 cm)
- Style:Mod 1970s (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:The exterior covering is supple light brown leather. Adorned with Gucci's massive gilt metal initials. Lined in tan suede designed with an adjustable shoulder strap
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Overall nice vintage condition. Some light minor scuffs and slight minor darkening on the back exterior cover (see image # 7).
- Seller Location:University City, MO
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7361916973
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.
- Timmy Woods Beverly Hills Carved Wood Artisan Lion Shoulder Bag c 1990sLocated in University City, MOTimmy Wood's Beverly Hills carved wood artisan lion head shoulder bag The hand-carved wood lion head shoulder bag is constructed from fallen trees in the Philippines That can take ...Category
1990s Philippine Novelty Bags
$275 Sale Price21% Off - Avant Garde Brutalist Mixed Metal Artisan Handbag ca 1970sLocated in University City, MOAvant garde brutalist mixed metal artisan handbag ca 1970s The unique handmade shoulder bag is adorned with sinuous three dimensional mixed metal work designs on the black leather f...Category
1970s Mexican Shoulder Bags
- Saks Fifth Avenue Italian Gilt Metal Crystal Medallion Minaudiere c 1980sBy Saks Fifth AvenueLocated in University City, MOSaks Fifth Avenue Italian gilt metal crystal medallion minaudiere' evening bag c 1980s The elegant gold metal evening bag has a satin matte fini...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- St John Embossed Black Vinyl Diminutive Size Handbag- Shoulder Bag c 1990Located in University City, MOSt John embossed vinyl diminutive size handbag - shoulder bag c 1990 The stylish compact size rounded purse is covered with embossed patent black vinyl that emulates reptile skin ...Category
1990s Unknown Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Paco Rabanne Paris Black Leather Shoulder Bag 1980sBy Paco RabanneLocated in University City, MOPaco Rabanne Paris Black leather shoulder bag c 1980s The classic saddle style shoulder bag is covered in supple black leather. Designed with twin leather shoulder straps The front exterior is adorned with a gilt metal emblem stamped Paco Rabanne PR Paris The interior is designed with two divided compartments Lined in black nylon covering with Paco Rabanne's name repeated throughout. The back exterior has a zipper compartment. The shoulder bag rest...Category
Late 20th Century French Structured Shoulder Bags
- GUCCI Extremely Rare Ebony Leather Equestrian Emblem Handbag c 1970sBy GucciLocated in University City, MOGUCCI Extremely rare ebony leather equestrian emblem handbag c 1970s Luxurious smooth black leather shoulder bag with sleek gilt metal hardware. The rare Gucci handbag is adorned wi...Category
1970s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Burgundy Lambskin and Suede Accordion Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Burgundy Lambskin and Suede Accordion Flap bag is in excellent condition. 2016 collection. Rich burgundy lambskin with suede bottom and interior. Quilted top ...Category
2010s European Structured Shoulder Bags
- Prada Saffiano Lux Promenade Top Handle BagBy Miuccia Prada, PradaLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis Prada Saffiano Promenade handbag is the definition of understated elegance! Prada presents a neutral rendition of their iconic Promenade handbag in this versatile beige shade complimented by yellow gold hardware. The structure of this handbag is so sleek and modern, and the inside is so functional that you are never going to get enough wear out of this handbag. The inside is broken up into 3 different sized compartments all designed with different pockets/storing features to ensure your belongings stay organized and secure! Lined with the most stunning Prada logo satin, this bag is as luxurious as it is wearable! Pair this with an Hermes skirt...Category
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Chloe Metallic Gold Large Shoulder BagBy ChloéLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This Metallic Gold Shoulder Bag by Chloe is ready to go everywhere with you! The exterior is made from shimmering metallic gold leather and the bag is equipped with dual front compar...Category
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Marc Jacobs Red Leather Wellington Fulton SatchelBy Marc JacobsLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Marc Jacobs is known for its impeccable designing and styles. Expertly designed from quality leather, this Fulton satchel exhibits a lovely silhouette. This red bag is held by dual h...Category
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Givenchy Red Leather Logo Shoulder BagBy GivenchyLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This striking shoulder bag from the house of Givenchy will elevate your outfits instantly. Crafted from leather, it comes in a lovely shade of red and flaunts a classic silhouette. I...Category
2010s Spanish Shoulder Bags
- Dolce & Gabbana Brown/Turquoise Leather Push Lock SatchelBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This excellent Dolce and Gabbana bag exudes brilliance and outstanding craftsmanship. Crafted from brown leather, it is enhanced with turquoise l...Category
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
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.