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.
Gucci necklace with turquoise enamel and silver flower pendant
By Gucci
Located in Abano Terme, IT
Gucci necklace from the Gg Mormont collection. Silver chain necklace with an antiqued finish of the links. It features a charming flower pendant with a turquoise enamel bulb, which i...
Sterling Silver
GUCCI Milano Enameled Horsebit Dangle Drop Necklace-Pendant In 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Gucci
Located in Miami, FL
A necklace-chain with horse-bit pendant designed by Gucci. This is a beautiful vintage chained necklace with a horse-bit-shaped pendant created in Milano Italy by the luxury house o...
Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
GUCCI clear RHINESTONE Necklace with Pendant
By Gucci
Located in Zürich, CH
Gucci necklace embellished with crystals to a metal base with a palladium finish. Formed by the initials of the House's founder Guccio Gucci, the classic Interlocking G logo is refas...
Gucci necklace with feline head in 925 sterling silver
By Gucci
Located in Abano Terme, IT
Gucci silver necklace with feline head pendant. Made in Italy from 925 sterling silver, Gucci's feline head necklace is a stunning realization of Gucci's love of nature and animals. ...
Sterling Silver
Gucci Chiodo 18K Gold Drop Tassel Necklace
By Gucci
Located in London, GB
Rare Item - Gucci Chiodo 18K Gold Drop Tassel Necklace From the Chiodo range 2013 based on the shape of nails! 18K gold necklace with dangle, tassel shaped pendant on gold box chai...
18k Gold
Vintage Gucci Diamantissima Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace in White Gold
By Gucci
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Gucci Diamantissima diamond drop pendant necklace set in 18k white gold. The necklace features a spectacular round brilliant-cut diamond, which is securely set ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18KT White Gold Aquamarine and Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This graceful drop pendant features a vivid 4.24 carat pear-shaped aquamarine, set in luminous 18KT white gold and framed by a halo of round brilliant diamonds. Additional diamonds e...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,850 / item
Turquoise Diamond Marquise Pendant Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This Claw necklace is cast in 18K gold & sterling silver. It is hand set in 7.54 carats turquoise and .71 carat of pave diamond arches. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view ...
Turquoise, Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
20kt Yellow Gold 13.53cttw Sapphire 1.67cttw Diamond Leaf Necklace, 24.85gr 18in
Located in San Diego, CA
Exquisite Vintage 20kt Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Necklace Indulge in the elegance of this breathtaking vintage necklace, which is a true work of art. Crafted from rich 20kt y...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Aquarius Zodiac Agate Cameo 925 Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Here's our aquarius zodiac carving cameo pendant necklace from the zodiac collection. The Cameo is made in Germany by an expert Cameo engraver on the re...
Agate, Chalcedony, Sterling Silver
French Locket Art Nouveau Silver Daisy Flower Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A GORGEOUS FRENCH ART NOUVEAU LOCKET PENDANT IN SILVER WITH A BEAUTIFUL REPOUSSE DESIGN OF A FLOWER, LEAF AND BUD MOTIF. This is just a stunning silver flower motif...
Silver
Hand-Carved Pisces Zodiac Agate Cameo 925 Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Here's our pisces zodiac carving cameo pendant necklace from the zodiac collection. The cameo is made in Germany by an expert cameo engraver on the relief of 100% natural agate rock ...
Agate, Chalcedony, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate
Hand-Carved Cancer Zodiac Agate Cameo 925 Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Here's our cancer zodiac carving cameo pendant necklace from the zodiac collection. The cameo is made in Germany by an expert cameo engraver on the reli...
Agate, Chalcedony, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate
Certified Jadeite Jade 38.51 Carats & Diamond Pendant Drop Necklace, Apple Green
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Please check out the HD video! In addition to being a status symbol, wearing jade traditionally has been known to grant the user good luck, health, prosperity and longevity. This i...
Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Twin Hearts Aura Pendant Necklace in 18Kt Yellow Gold with Amethyst and Diamonds
By Nicofilimon the Jewelry Designer
Located in Athens, GR
Round Necklace in 18Kt yellow gold, with purple amethyst and Diamonds.handmade. It is inspired from the shape of the aura when you make the "Twin Hearts meditation" by Grand Master C...
Amethyst, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
14k White Gold, Yellow Gold and Rose Gold Diamond Circles and Flowers Necklace
Located in Boston, MA
14k White Gold, Yellow Gold and Rose Gold Diamond Circles and Flowers Necklace - The necklace contains 230 round diamonds that weigh approximately 1ct total weight. The diamonds are ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,850
Dm 0.24 in L 0.69 in
Mikimoto Cultured Pearl and Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace in 18 Karat White Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Utterly timeless diamond and pearl necklace by renowned jeweler, Mikimoto. Mikimoto is an international luxury company, recognized as the first producer of cultured pearl jewelry. The worldwide brand is known for its superior craftsmanship, innovative design and impeccable quality. This incredible pendant necklace offers the perfect amount of elegance and sparkle. It features 2 diamond shaped links embellished with glittering natural pave diamonds in a sleek, vertical layout. Hanging off the bottom diamond link is a single 6 mm cultured pearl with a lustrous, creamy finish. There are approximately .19 carats of diamonds in this pair, F-G in color VS in clarity. A delicate 18 karat white gold cable link chain gently hugs the neck. The gentle movement of the dazzling pendant makes the natural stones really stand out and shine beautifully on the neck. This necklace is in excellent estate condition and comes with the original Mikimoto jewelry box...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$480 / item
W 0.6 in L 0.79 in
Hand-Carved Gemini Zodiac Agate Cameo 925 Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Here's our gemini zodiac carving cameo pendant necklace from the zodiac collection. The cameo is made in Germany by an expert cameo engraver on the reli...
Agate, Sterling Silver
Gucci Chiodo Nail 18k White Gold Lariat Necklace
By Gucci
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Modern, architectural, and unmistakably Gucci, the Chiodo Nail 18k White Gold Lariat Necklace offers a sleek interpretation of the House’s fascination with industrial motifs and bold...
Gucci Horsebit necklace with silver bamboo
By Gucci
Located in Abano Terme, IT
Gucci necklace from the Horsebit collection with natural bamboo cylinder. It features a 925 sterling silver oval link chain with a lobster clasp; there are, in addition, two larger o...
Sterling Silver
Gucci Sterling Silver Interlocking GG Necklace
By Gucci
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to necklace is evident on this used Gucci designer resale item. This item comes with original dust bag and box. Details Si...
Sterling Silver
Gucci Contemporary 18 Karat Yellow Gold Horsebit Pendant Necklace
By Gucci
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Necklace is designed as cable chain suspending a large horsebit motif pendant. With a hinged loop and a high polished finish. Accented by logo tag. Completed by lobster clasp closure...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gucci 2009 Enamel Sea Shell 18 Karat Yellow Gold Horsebit Necklace
By Gucci
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a cable link chain with signature horsebit motif link stations Featuring seashell pendants measuring between 20.0 and 30.0 mm Encapsulated in enamel - transparent grayis...
Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Sold
W 0.25 in D 0.13 in L 32 in
Gucci Milan Vintage Mariner Chain Sautoir in .925 Sterling with Ebony Wood
By Gucci
Located in Miami, FL
Ebony wood Sautoir designed by Gucci. Beautiful vintage piece, created in Milano Italy by the fashion house of Gucci, back in the 1970's This rare mariner long sautoir, has been cra...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Sold
W 4.53 in L 20 in
Gucci Milano Long Drop Mariner Necklace Sautoir in 18Kt Gold & Blackened Silver
By Gucci
Located in Miami, FL
Long mariner necklace sautoir designed by Gucci. Beautiful and rare modernist piece, created in Milano Italy by the house of Gucci. This long drop sautoir necklace, was crafted with mariner links in solid yellow gold of 18 karats and blackened sterling silver .925/.999, all with high polished finish. Weight: 132.6 Grams (85 Dwt). Length: 20 Inches (50 Cm). Measurements: The longest dangle drop element is 115 mm (4.53 Inch). Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the Italian hallmark for the assay of the gold and the silver and signed, "GUCCI MADE IN ITALY .750 .925 GUCCI". Gucci, was founded in 1921 in the Tuscany region of Italy, in Florence, when Guccio Gucci...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Gucci 18 Karat Yellow Gold Horsebit Pendant Vintage Necklace
By Gucci
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Necklace is designed as cable chain suspending a substantial horsebit motif pendant. High polish with articulating looped bit. Stamped 750 with Italian assay marks for 18 karat gold....
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gucci Italian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Diamantissima Pampel Drop Necklace
By Gucci
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Faceted rolo chain necklace suspends an elongated pampel drop. Pierced throughout by a geometric motif - graduating in size. With the iconic double 'G' Gucci logo as bale surmount. C...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gucci Contemporary 18 Karat Yellow Gold Horsebit Pendant Necklace
By Gucci
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Necklace is designed as cable chain suspending a large horsebit motif pendant. With a hinged loop and a high polished finish. Accented by logo tag. Completed by lobster clasp closure...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gucci Silver Lucky Charm Coin Choker Necklace
By Gucci
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a stylish lucky charm coin choker necklace designed by Gucci in late 20th-early 21th century. It is made of silver. The piece features double sided iconic motifs. Signed: “G...
Silver
Gucci ICrystal Double G Marmont Necklace
By Gucci
Located in Brossard, QC
The Gucci Pink Crystal Double G Marmont Necklace in Gold is crafted from an aged gold-tone hardware and pink crystals in Italy. This necklace features the sig...
Pearl, Brass