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.
1960s Gucci Wood Golf Club Web Stripe Long Shoe Horn
By Gucci
Located in London, GB
Rare Vintage 1960s Gucci Wood Golf Club Web Stripe Long Shoe Horn in Wood, Resin and cow horn, Signed Gucci Italy, web stripe metal ringed detail with gol...
Gucci Set of Six Holiday Christmas Glass Ornaments in Gucci Presentation Box
By Gucci
Located in University City, MO
Gucci Rare set of six glass holiday Christmas hand painted ornaments in original Gucci cardboard presentation box c 1980s The six hand painted ornaments are designed with red & gree...
Gucci Italy Elegant Silver Metal Salt & Pepper Shakers c 1970s
By Gucci
Located in University City, MO
Gucci Italy Elegant pair of silver metal penguin salt & pepper shakers c 1970s The endearing pair of stylized penguin figures are designed in graduated heights Embellished with etch...
$775Sale Price|20% Off
Gucci Bamboo Huge Glass Factice Faceted Display Decorative Bottle c 21st c
By Gucci
Located in University City, MO
Gucci Bamboo huge scale glass factice decorative display bottle c 21st c The large faceted glass bottle is a replica of Gucci's bamboo fragrance The du...
$2,975Sale Price|23% Off
Gucci Italy Extremely Rare Sterling Silver Art Deco Vanity Grooming Set c 1950
By Gucci
Located in University City, MO
Gucci Italy Extremely rare sterling silver art deco vanity grooming set c 1950 The opulent sterling silver Gucci grooming set consist of a hand mirror, a handle brush, a rectangular hand brush, a rectangular glass cosmetic box and a circular glass cosmetic jar The sterling silver accessories are designed with impressed grooved linear striped bands. A crown symbol is engraved in a smooth polished circular band on each accessory Makes an exquisite decorative collectible placed on a vanity dressing table. The crisp severe art deco design has an unisex aesthetic Four of the grooming accessories are stamped: Gucci 925...
$1,797Sale Price|40% Off
1970s Gucci Figural Swan Pewter Metal Decorative Concealed Container
By Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the 1970s, this metal peweter Gucci swan figure features a concealed container underneath the swan's wings. The perfect place to elegantly stash accoutrements in your home or of...
Gucci x Bianchi 2011 White City Bike
By Gucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ride in style or elevate your interior space with this amazing Gucci x Bianchi bike! This 2011 collaboration unveiled the exclusive Bianchi by Gucci bi...
$1,650Sale Price|40% Off
1970s Gucci Mallard Duck Figural Metal Sculpture Pair
By Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a set of silver mallard duck sculptures from the 1970s. The metal models take early Gucci's country and equestrian influences and elevate them, making them chic and shiny. These statues feature two different ducks taking flight in the grass. The sculptures are substantial in weight and could potentially be used as bookends, but they can also make stunning pieces of decor without serving any utility. From the early days of Gucci home decor...
Gucci Multicolor GG Monogram Canvas Decorative Stuffed Giraffe
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Add a touch of playful luxury to your space with this charming Gucci GG Decorative Giraffe Doll-a collector's piece where high fashion meets whimsical design. Cloaked in a lively mul...
Gucci set/2 Porcelain Knights Tea Cups
By Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gucci set of 2 porcelain knights tea cups, red and blue. Excellent condition.
$417Sale Price|40% Off
1970s Gucci Pewter Mini Sparrow Votive Holder Desk Accessory
By Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a miniature votive holder/trinket bowl by Gucci in the 1970s. In the form of a small sparrow, this piece is made of heavy silver-toned metal a...
CHANEL Large Size Advertising Allure Perfume Display Vintage Mint
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel large size advertising display with Allure perfume bottles. Excellent mint condition. Sides can be closed up.Thick cardboard frame with pictures inserted between clear plastic and 4 Allure factice bottles...
$960
H 1.38 in W 6.23 in L 7.56 in
Hermès Vintage Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Elephant India Asia
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Elephant dressed in his finest jewels Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine gold Colorway...
$1,650Sale Price|40% Off
1970s Gucci Mallard Duck Figural Metal Sculpture Pair
By Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a set of silver mallard duck sculptures from the 1970s. The metal models take early Gucci's country and equestrian influences and elevate them, making them chic and shiny. These statues feature two different ducks taking flight in the grass. The sculptures are substantial in weight and could potentially be used as bookends, but they can also make stunning pieces of decor without serving any utility. From the early days of Gucci home decor...
Gucci Vintage Fine Bone China Knight Mug
By Gucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Did someone say Gucci? Snag this one of a kind mug for your next early morning coffee or tea! Trust me, coffee tastes better in fine Gucci. If you don't feel like making this your new everyday mug, mix-and-match this Gucci mug...
Hermès Wild Boar Key Ring Key Holder Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Key Ring In shape of a wild boar Perfect gift for boar lover or hunter Vintage item Made of silver Colorway: silvery "HERMÈS" engraved on the cl...
Hermès 2 Shotgun Shells Shot Glasses Bullets Shaped
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Set of Two Shooter Glasses In shape of shotgun cartridges Can be used as a shot glass or toothpick holder, or just as decoration Vintage Items The body is ...
Hermes In The Pocket Binoculars Black Swift Leather New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes In The Pocket Binoculars featured in Black Swift leather case. Leica Ultravid with Fernglas. Compact binoculars with Black leather trim. Black Swift leather case with tone on tone stitching and Clou de Selle snaps for closure. Attached Black leather strap. Made in Germany. Comes with signature Hermes box. New or Store Fresh Condition. final sale BINOCULAR CASE...
Chanel Black and White Game Series Rugby Football
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Chanel Black and White Game Series Rugby Football is in pristine condition. Rare and collectible item. PBF 13076
$417Sale Price|40% Off
1970s Gucci Pewter Mini Sparrow Votive Holder Desk Accessory
By Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a miniature votive holder/trinket bowl by Gucci in the 1970s. In the form of a small sparrow, this piece is made of heavy silver-toned metal a...
Hermes Apollo 24 Celestial Globe Blue de Prusse
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Apollo 24 Celestial Globe featured in Blue de Prusse. Created from 12 sheathed pieces of printed leather the leather marquet...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray 2 Dogs by Cecil Aldin Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Adorable Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: 2 dogs napping on an armchair Designed Cecil Aldin Made in France Made of printed porcelain, edges and notches hand-painted with...
$1,800
H 1.5 in W 6.42 in L 7.88 in
Hermès Teke Statuette Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold Africa
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: wood statuettes Theme: Teke, Africa, African Spirit Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand pain...
Gucci Red Rabbit Paperweight Jewelry Box
By Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This very rare Gucci box was created in mind to celebrate the Chinese New Year 2023, year of the Rabbit. The Rabbit paperweight measures 3" x 2" x 3.5" height. The box can be used as...
Gucci Multicolor GG Monogram Canvas Decorative Stuffed Lion
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
A whimsical treasure from the world of high fashion collectibles, this Gucci GG Decorative Lion Doll is a rare fusion of luxury and playfulness. Crafted in vibrant green and multi-co...
1960s Gucci Majorette Twirling Baton Special Equestrian Event Piece - Sole Piece
By Gucci
Located in London, GB
This piece, 1960s Gucci - Made Ephemera Private Collector Majorette Twirling Baton , looks incredibly elegant and finely crafted, totally consistent wit...
Gucci Porcelain Star Eye Decorative Round Trinket Tray Ashtray
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
This exquisite Gucci decorative tray is a perfect fusion of timeless craftsmanship and bold design, produced by the renowned Italian porcelain manufacturer, 'Ginori 1735'. Crafted fr...
Gucci Home Beige Red Tartan Check and Floral Print Quilted Blanket
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Beutiful GUCCI quilted blanket with an all-over multicolour floral print. tartan border. Gucci label sewn on the corner. Front part: Polyester 45%, Silk 40%, Cotton 15%. Back part: L...
Gucci Beige Red Floral and Tartan Check Print Quilted Blanket
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Beautiful GUCCI quilted blanket with an all-over multicolour floral print. tartan border. Gucci label sewn on the corner. Front part: Polyester 45%, Silk 40%, Cotton 15%. Back part: ...
Gucci Vintage Brown Leather Thermos Case Holder with Handle
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Vacuum flask/Thermos holder by GUCCI . Brown leather Thermos Holder with green/red/green stripes around . The top of the holder slides up and down inside the strapping. Raise...
Gucci 1980s Brass Horse Bit Candle Holders
By Gucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the Gucci 1980s Brass Horse Bit Candle Holders, a captivating and luxurious addition to your home decor collection. Crafted from brass with a rich gold-tone finish, these candle holders exude elegance and sophistication. The candle holders feature a whimsical abstract shape that adds a touch of artistic flair to any space. At the base of each holder, you'll find the iconic Gucci horse bit motifs, which are intricately detailed and serve as a nod to the brand's heritage and craftsmanship. These stunning candle holders provide a unique and stylish way to elevate your home decor and add a touch of luxury to any room. Whether displayed on a dining table, mantelpiece, or sideboard, they are sure to spark conversation and admiration from guests. Enhance the ambiance of your home with the timeless elegance of the Gucci 1980s Brass Horse Bit Candle Holders, and infuse your space with the iconic style and sophistication of the Gucci brand. Pair this next to an Hermes ash tray...
Gucci Vintage Engraved Silver Metal Table Lighter Home Decor
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage GUCCI table lighter. Cube-shaped. Silver metal with engraved motif. GG logo on the front. Marked 'Gucci - Italy' on the base. Height: 3 inches - 7.6 cm. Width: 2 inches - 5.1...
Gucci Vintage Brown Leather Thermos Case Holder with Handle
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Vacuum flask/Thermos holder by GUCCI . Brown leather Thermos Holder with green/red/green stripes around . The top of the holder slides up and down...
Gucci Inventum Scented Candle Light Blue Murano Glass Jar
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Beautiful Gucci 'Inventum' Scented candle. Wax is sscented with notes of pink rose and Taif Damask rose. It features a metal lid with an engraved knob, and the light blue glass jar (...
Gucci Esotericum Scented Candle Aqua Green Murano Glass Jar
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Beautiful Gucci 'Esotericum' Scented candle. Wax is scented with a blend of jasmine, bitter orange and leather notes. It features a metal lid with an engraved knob, and aqua green gl...