Question 1

What is the history of Gucci?

Accepted Answer

The history of Gucci begins in 1921, when Guccio Gucci opened a leather goods shop in Florence, Italy. 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 use of bamboo for handles and locks originated after World War II, when leather and metal were in short supply. In 1947, the founder used the incredibly durable material for the first time in his Gucci Bamboo bag. 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.

The new millennium brought new ownership 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. Michele exited Gucci in 2022 and was eventually replaced by Sabato De Sarno.

On 1stDibs, shop vintage Gucci bags, clothing and accessories.

Question 2

What are amphorae in history?

Accepted Answer

Historically, amphorae are vessels made of pottery that feature elongated bodies and curved handles on either side of their necks. The Ancient Greeks used amphorae to store grain and liquids like oil, milk and wine. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of amphorae.

Question 3

What is the history of Kartell?

Accepted Answer

The history of Kartell starts with an Italian chemical engineer named Giulio Castelli and his wife, Anna Ferrieri. The couple founded Kartell in Milan as an industrial design firm, producing utilitarian items like ski racks for automobiles and laboratory equipment designed to replace breakable glass with sturdy plastic. Even as companies like Olivetti and Vespa were making Italian design popular in the 1950s, typewriters and scooters were relatively costly, and Castelli and Ferrieri wanted to provide Italian consumers with affordable, stylish goods. They launched a housewares division of Kartell in 1953, making lighting fixtures and kitchen tools and accessories from colorful molded plastic. Buoyed by its success in the home goods market, Kartell introduced its Habitat division in 1963. Kartell achieved international recognition for its innovative work in 1972, when a landmark exhibition curated by Emilio Ambasz called "Italy: The New Domestic Landscape" opened at New York's Museum of Modern Art. Castelli and Ferrieri sold Kartell to Claudio Luti, their son-in-law, in 1988, and since then, Luti has expanded the company's roster of designers. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of Kartell furniture.

Question 4

What is the history of Wedgwood?

Accepted Answer

Wedgwood is a fine china and porcelain manufacturer. Established in 1759 by Josiah Wedgwood in England, Wedgwood is known for its unglazed stoneware that features contrasting colors. Find a variety of Wedgwood fine china from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What is the history of the Knoll sofa?

Accepted Answer

The history of the Knoll sofa began in 1954. The sofa was made during American designer and entrepreneur Florence Knoll’s direction of the Knoll Planning Unit, the company's pioneering "design consultant service" that would define the look of the postwar workplace. The versatile Florence Knoll sofa, with its angular silhouette and tasteful mix of textures, could as easily fit into the glass lobby of a skyscraper as the living room of a home. That same year, Florence Knoll also introduced a companion lounge chair that coordinated with the sofa. Knoll, Inc. continues to produce the Florence Knoll sofa over half a century after it was introduced, and vintage models are still prized for their sturdy construction and timeless qualities. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Florence Knoll sofas.

Question 6

What is the history of Harmony House?

Accepted Answer

The history of Harmony House begins in 1940, when Sears introduced the brand. From the start, the guiding vision of Harmony House was to create furniture and decorative objects in coordinating colors and styles in order to make it easy for everyday people to decorate their homes. A number of manufacturers produced pieces for Harmony House during the decade that followed. Among them were Magic Float, Bunting, Logan, Schott and Warmack. The Harmony House line continued until the late 1950s. Find a selection of Harmony House furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is the history of a signet ring?

Accepted Answer

Signet rings originated around 3500 BC in Mesopotamia and featured a sign that was used to seal documents by pressing the ring into sealing wax. They could also be used to stamp a family crest and were considered as authentic as a signature. Shop a collection of vintage signet rings from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is the history of crazy quilts?

Accepted Answer

The history of crazy quilts dates back to the late 1800s when people began producing quilts using pieces of irregularly shaped fabric. This style of quilting remained popular into the early 20th century. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of crazy quilts.

Question 9

What is the history of the Plia chair?

Accepted Answer

The history of the Plia chair begins in 1967. It was then that Giancarlo Pirretti unveiled his unique folding chair at the Milan Furniture Fair in Italy. Its combination of a steel frame and polypropylene seat and backrest caught the eye of attendees. After Anonima Castelli s.p.a. began its mass production in 1969, the chair's unique ability to stack and fold quickly made it popular among consumers. Since then, more than four million Plia chairs have been sold. In 1971, the design received the BIO 5 Ljubljana prize, and it won the Gute Form prize in Germany in 1973. During the 21st century, the chair's popularity once again soared, particularly after it was featured in a Yves Saint Laurent commercial. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of chairs.

Question 10

What is the history of the Fred brand?

Accepted Answer

The history of the Fred brand begins in 1936. That year, a young jeweler named Fred Samuel founded a shop in Paris, France.

Samuel was known for his casual yet sophisticated style, working with diamonds, pearls and colored gemstones to create smart jewelry for all occasions. The sign above his storefront on rue Royale initially was branded with the founder's full name, but during the 1940s, the "Samuel" part came down. Samuel created his famous Force 10 bracelet in 1966, and it became one of the brand's signature pieces. Inspired by its creator's love for the sea, the Force 10 bracelet features a braided steel sailing cable and a gold buckle.

In 1996, Fred Paris was acquired by the luxury holding company LVMH. Fred Samuel passed away in 2006, but Fred Paris continued his legacy in jewelry. The 2016 Chance Infinie line paid homage to the creativity and playfulness of the company's founder.

Find a collection of Fred Paris jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 11

What is the history of Louis Vuitton?

Accepted Answer

The history of Louis Vuitton began in 1854 when Louis Vuitton opened a shop on rue Neuve des Capucines in Paris. He started off packing valuables for wealthy clients and went on to design steamer trunks for travel. In 1896, the company introduced its still-famous monogram print, and it continued to produce bags and luggage for the next 100 years. When Marc Jacobs took over as creative director in 1997, he created the first ready-to-wear line for Louis Vuitton. During the 2000s and 2010s, the brand introduced a number of iconic handbag designs, including the Multicolore and the Twist. Shop a collection of Louis Vuitton pieces from some of the world's best boutiques on 1stDibs.

Question 12

What is the history of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The history of Art Deco begins in the early 20th century.

Art Deco emerged as a global design style around the start of World War I, during the last years of Art Nouveau's popularity. The style conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. Its hallmarks include the use of geometric designs influenced by Cubism. Major discoveries of Egyptian tombs during the era also influenced the movement.

The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition, the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, held in Paris in 1925. After World War II, tastes shifted toward more functional, less ornate modernism, but today, the Art Deco style is still favored for its luxurious sophistication. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of vintage Art Deco furniture.

Question 13

What is the history of H. Stern?

Accepted Answer

The history of H. Stern begins with Hans Stern, who fled with his parents to Rio de Janeiro at the onset of World War II. There, he landed a job working for the precious stone and mineral exporter Cristab, regularly visiting mines on horseback. At the remote mines of Minas Gerais in southeastern Brazil, he cultivated relationships with many of the miners, developing professional connections that would endure for decades. He also developed a fascination with the colorful semi-precious stones found in the area. In 1945, he started his own company, H. Stern, with the goal of marketing Brazilian gemstones. Though the company began as a trader in gemstones, it soon expanded to jewelry, with Stern assembling and training a team of young jewelers. In 1949, H. Stern opened its first jewelry shop in Rio de Janeiro. During the 1980s, the brand debuted its first celebrity collaboration with French actress Catherine Deneuve. By the mid-1990s, the company was opening stores abroad and selling jewelry at international department stores. Today, the company is run by Stern's son, Roberto, who has introduced a broad range of new collections and styles. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of H. Stern jewelry.

Question 14

What is the history of Phoenix Glass?

Accepted Answer

The history of Phoenix Glass began with the founding of the company in Monaca, Pennsylvania, in 1880. Initially, the company produced only shades for oil and glass lamps, but its offerings gradually expanded to include a wide range of lighting fixtures. By the end of the 1890s, the company had earned acclaim for its colored glassware, including its mother of pearl glass, which it received a patent for in 1885. In 1933, Phoenix unveiled its Sculpted Art Glass, which was blown into specially designed molds to eliminate lines. The popular Sculpted Art Glass line remained in production through 1958. In 1970, Anchor Hocking purchased Phoenix Glass, leading to the end of the Phoenix brand. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Phoenix glassware.

Question 15

What is the history of Bitossi pottery?

Accepted Answer

The history of Bitossi pottery began in 1926, when Guido Bitossi founded his shop in Montelupo Fiorentino, near Florence, Italy. He descended from a long line of artisans, including painters, sculptors and potters. His son Londi became the creative director of Bitossi in 1946 and was responsible for introducing the colorful glazes that Bitossi has become famous for during his 50-year tenure. During the 1950s, Ettore Sottsass began to design unique pieces for Bitossi, and his geometric bowls and vases redefined the art form of pottery and set major trends during the mid-century period. After Londi Bitossi stepped down, a new generation of the family took over, with Guido's granddaughter Cinzia Bitossi serving as artistic director and his great-granddaughter Ginevra Bocin acting as CEO. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Bitossi pottery.

Question 16

What is the history of Versace V2?

Accepted Answer

The history of Versace V2 starts with a partnership formed between the Gianni Versace company and Ermenegildo Zegna in the late 1980s. Versace saw the need to create a diffusion line that would produce menswear in larger quantities and a lower price than the norm for his haute couture line, and the collaboration with Zenga made his vision a reality. In 1990, Versace V2 launched in the U.S., and it debuted in Italy the following year. Then, in 1996, the Versace V2 brand expanded to include womenswear. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of Versace apparel and accessories.

Question 17

What is the history of the Wegner Shell chair?

Accepted Answer

The history of the Wegner Shell Chair begins in 1963. Hans J. Wegner unveiled the chair at the Furniture Guild Exhibition in Copenhagen, Denmark. Often described as being "wing-like," the chair's radical fluid lines were considered a bit too futuristic at the time. Initially, mixed reviews from critics and the general public, as well as production difficulties, resulted in a very limited early run. Twelve new models were produced for a retrospective exhibition celebrating Wegner's 77th birthday in 1989, and the design began garnering renewed attention (a photograph of the chair was even selected to grace the cover of the exhibition catalog). In 1998, nearly a decade following the piece's reemergence at the retrospective event, Carl Hansen & Søn reintroduced the Shell chair 35 years after it was first released, and it has felt relevant ever since. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Hans Wegner Shell chairs.

Question 18

What are the dimensions of Interview magazine?

Accepted Answer

Interview magazine’s dimensions have varied over the years. For more information, consult the publisher. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of vintage print issues, photography and other material related to Interview Magazine from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 19

What did Jules Cheret contribute to poster history?

Accepted Answer

Jules Cheret contributed to poster history by changing how the art world viewed posters. In 1884, he showed his works in the first-ever gallery exhibition of posters, helping to elevate the art form. Find a variety of Jules Cheret art on 1stDibs.

Question 20

Who were the greatest Old Masters in the history of art?

Accepted Answer

Who the greatest Old Masters in art history are is largely a matter of debate. Encompassing centuries of change in Europe between 1300 and 1800, from booms of prosperity to bloody revolutions, Old Masters describes a wide range of artists. The informal term was derived from the title of an artist who trained in a guild long enough to become a master, such as Leonardo da Vinci, who studied in a Florence painters’ guild. However, Old Masters paintings, prints and other art is now used to refer to work made by any artist with a high level of skill in painting, drawing, sculpture or printmaking who worked during this era. Shop a large selection of art from some of the world's top galleries on 1stDibs.

History And Magazine

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Restored Rattan Magazine Rack

Antique Early 1800s English Regency Magazine Racks and Stands

Georgian Mahogany Canterbury / Magazine Rack

2010s Panamanian Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Magazine Rack by Sofia Alvarado

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Fontana Arte Brass and Smoked Glass Magazine Rack Stand, 1960s, Italy

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Vintage Italian Franco Albini Style Magazine Rack in Bamboo and Rattan

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Midcentury Cesare Lacca Wood and Brass Italian Foldable Magazine Rack, 1950s

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Cesare Lacca Walnut and Brass Bar Cart with Magazine Rack, Italy 1950s

Vintage 1950s American Magazine Racks and Stands

Restored Rattan Magazine Holder with Carrying Handle

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

French Magazine rack by Jacques Adnet 1950s

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Cesare Lacca Mid-Century Modern Wood Magazine Rack and Bar Cart, 1950s

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Mid Century Modern Bamboo and Rattan Magazine Rack in the Franco Albini Style

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Kartell Magazine Rack in Smoke by Giotto Stoppino

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Kartell Magazine Rack in Silver by Giotto Stoppino

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Kartell Magazine Rack in Transparent by Giotto Stoppino

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Restored Rattan Magazine Rack W/ Stacked Base

Vintage 1950s American Magazine Racks and Stands

Restored Palm Rattan Magazine Rack W/ Handle, Pair

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Kartell Magazine Rack in Orange Red by Giotto Stoppino

Vintage 1950s American Magazine Racks and Stands

Restored Rattan & Wicker Three-Tier Book/Magazine Holder

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Mathieu Matégot Vintage Magazine Holder Perforated Metal circa 1950

Mid-20th Century French Magazine Racks and Stands

Midcentury French Brass Swan Magazine Rack from Maison Jansen

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Magazine Holder

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Vintage "Bachelor" Magazine Rack by Verner Panton for Fritz Hansen, 1960s

Vintage 1960s Italian Neoclassical Magazine Racks and Stands

Huge Italian Wrought Iron Braided Rope Tassel Design Magazine Rack Jansen Style

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Mid-Century Cesare Lacca Black Lacquered Beech Wood Italian Magazine Rack, 1950s

Antique Early 1900s American Late Victorian Magazine Racks and Stands

Restored Aesthetic Movement Large Two-Tier Tiger Bamboo Magazine Rack w/ Divider

Early 20th Century German Magazine Racks and Stands

Art Deco Brass and Enamel Letter Rack

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Mid-Century Mathieu Matégot Metal Black and White Bookstand for Artimeta, 1956

20th Century French Magazine Racks and Stands

1900 French Metal Bakery Rack

Vintage 1920s Austrian Art Deco Magazine Racks and Stands

Art Deco Wood Vinyl Rack, circa 1920s

Antique Early 1900s American Late Victorian Magazine Racks and Stands

Aesthetic Movement Tiger Tortoise Bamboo Newspaper Rack w/ Shelf

Early 20th Century American Industrial Magazine Racks and Stands

Vintage Jacob Rupert Metal Bottle Carrier

21st Century and Contemporary European Books

Issues, A History of Photography in Fashion Magazines

21st Century and Contemporary Books

Issues - A History of Photography in Fashion Magazines

2010s Pop Art Figurative Paintings

Greg MillerHistory, 2023

Early 2000s French Modern Books

The Cars in Posters, French Book by Thierry Favre, 2007

Antique Early 1900s British Books

1908 The Natural History of Selborne

20th Century Asian Tribal Books

The Khmers History and Treasures of an Ancient Civilization Art Book

Vintage 1960s American Archaistic Books

Horizon Magazine, A Magazine of the Arts, Summer 1967 Hardcover Book

Antique Mid-19th Century English Books

George Cruikshank's Magazine – 2 issues

1970s Pop Art Black and White Photography

Greg Miller
History, 2023

Jack Mitchell
Marcus and Debbie Williamson photographed nude for 'After Dark' magazine, 1973

Mino Maccari
Wine History - Drawing by Mino Maccari - 1960s, 1960s

Jack Mitchell
Dancer/choreographer Louis Falco and Jose Limon dancers for Dance magazine, 1968

Sunil Das
Span Drawing, Jottings on Printed Pages of Span Magazines by Sunil Das"In Stock", 1970

Skylar Fein
Bubble Gum History, 2013

Jack Mitchell
Dancer Fernando Bujones, photographed for Dance Magazine, 1979

Jack Mitchell
Actress Natalie Wood, 'After Dark' magazine cover shot, 1979

Peter Schenck
"Strengths and Weaknesses", acrylic, charcoal, art history, abstract, portrait, 2018

Jack Mitchell
Broadway Dancer, Singer & Actress Ann Reinking, Photographed for Dance Magazine, 1981

Jack Mitchell
Warhol films director Paul Morrissey photographed nude for Vogue magazine, 1970

Jack Mitchell
Warhol superstar Eric Emerson photographed for 'After Dark' magazine, Signed, 1971

Jack Mitchell
Dancer Don Lopez photographed for 'After Dark' magazine Nude, Signed, 1985

Jack Mitchell
Warhol superstar Ultra Violet & friends nude for 'After Dark' magazine, 1971

Jack Mitchell
Warhol superstar Ultra Violet & friends nude for 'After Dark' magazine, 1971

Dick Crispo
"A Brief History of Smiling", Modern Figural Collage by Dick Crispo, 1987

Jack Mitchell
Richard Lane & Stephen Kockser, photographed Nude for After Dark Magazine, 1972

Jack Mitchell
Joffrey Ballet dancer Christian Holder photographed for After Dark Magazine, 1970