Gucci
View Similar Items
Gucci
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 7 1/2 (US)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Cincinnati, OH
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU131007254762
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.
- Golden Goose Yellow Leather Superstar SneakersBy Golden GooseLocated in Scottsdale, AZStep into unique style with these Golden Goose Yellow Leather Superstar Sneakers! Crafted with premium yellow suede and adorned with bold black leather stars on the sides, these sneakers are a fashion statement on their own. Their signature distressed look adds character and individuality to your outfit. Made with high-quality yellow suede and black leather stars for a striking contrast. The sneakers' distressed appearance gives them an edgy and one-of-a-kind look. Silver Golden Goose...Category
2010s Italian Shoes
- Gucci GG Marmont Goldfoil Maryjanes Size 38By GucciLocated in Thousand Oaks, CAThe quintessential Gucci GG Marmont Mary-Jane in gold foil. GG hardware, mid-heel, and fringe detailing. They come with the box and dustbag and they are in pristine condition. Stand-...Category
2010s Italian Shoes
- Periwinkle Chanel Patent Cap-Toe Ballet Flats Size 36.5By ChanelLocated in New York, NYPeriwinkle patent leather cap-toe ballet flats by Chanel. CC logo embroidery and bow accents at tops. 3.5" heel height. Designer Size: 36.5 US Recommended Size: 6.5Category
21st Century and Contemporary Shoes
- TOD'S brown ballerinas with round toe and lace bowLocated in Bilbao, ESTOD'S brown ballerinas Two-tone print, round toe, bow, contrasting applications, rubber sole with studs, flat heel Size 39 Our Company has a Fashion Division is specialised in Euro...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes
- Amina Muaddi Begum PVC Slingback Blue (EU 41 US 10)Located in Montreal, QuebecAmina Muaddi Begum PVC Slingback Blue (EU 41 US 10) This glassy pointy-toe slingback is glammed up with a bejeweled brooch inspired by an art deco...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes
- Christian Louboutin Tortoise Shell Pattern Patent Shoes 6.5 with BoxBy Christian LouboutinLocated in Port Hope, ONThis pumps have a classic tortoise shell leather and go by the name of Miss Tack 85. They are a classic pump and make a great addition to any wardrobe. The chunky heel is a manageabl...Category
2010s French Shoes
$336 Sale Price20% Off
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.