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.
Size: IT 38
Gucci Regent Buckles Slingback Pumps Size 38
By Gucci
Located in Brossard, QC
Adjustable slingback strap for a flexible fit Pointed toe Buckled strap detailing at vamp 2.5" stiletto heel Leather upper Lining: Leather Sole: Leather Fits true to size Made in Ita...
Gucci Guccissima Moss Green GG Emboss Horsebit Mules Slip On Sandals 41
By Gucci
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Gucci Guccissima Moss Green GG Emboss Horsebit Mules Color Moss Green Size 41EU Heel Height 3.25in Leather upper GG embossed Horsebit hardware across band Slender heel Slip on Made...
Gucci Tom Ford Era Pink Embossed Leather Stiletto Sandals 37.5 Y2K
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in San Jose, CA
Authentic Gucci pink embossed leather stiletto sandals from the Tom Ford era, featuring slim strappy construction and signature Gucci logo heel plates. These early 90's- 2000s designer heels capture the sleek, glamorous aesthetic that defined Gucci during the Tom Ford period. Crafted in Italy from soft pink embossed leather, the sandals feature delicate straps, an adjustable ankle buckle closure, and a slim high stiletto heel with the iconic Gucci G-logo heel plate. The minimalist silhouette and feminine color make them a standout Y2K-era designer shoe that pairs effortlessly with both modern and vintage styling. Size EU 37.5 (approx US 7.5). True to size. Condition: Pre-owned. Uppers and straps remain excellent with strong structure and clean leather. Soles show wear consistent with gentle use. Please review all photos for condition details. A rare Tom Ford–era Gucci design perfect for collectors, Y2K fashion lovers, and statement evening styling. Ideal for weddings, date nights, vacation looks, or pairing with satin dresses, tailoring, or low-rise denim for a true early-2000s revival aesthetic. Keywords: gucci pink sandals, tom ford era gucci heels, gucci embossed leather heels, pink designer sandals...
GUCCI Soft Pink leather HORSEBIT BLOCK HEEL Pumps Shoes 36
By Gucci
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Gucci pump is crafted in soft pink leather and finished with a light gold-tone horsebit detail across the front. It features rounded square toes and leather-cover...
GUCCI TOM FORD Vintage 2004 Runway scaled green Serpentine heel sandal EU36
By Tom Ford, Gucci
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GUCCI TOM FORD Vintage 2004 Runway metallic gold scaled green Serpentine heel sandal EU36 Reference: TGAS/F00080 Brand: Gucci Designer: Tom Ford Collection: SS2004 - Runway Material:...
GUCCI pink leather 2019 SCARLET Mules Sandals Shoes 38
By Gucci
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Gucci Scarlet high-heel mules in pink polished calfskin. Brand new. 2019 Fall/Winter Measurements Imprinted Size 38 Shoe Size 38 Inside Sole 25cm (9.8in) Width 7.5c...
Versace Medusa Pink Patent Leather Slingback Pumps Size 39
By Versace
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
Versace Medusa Pink Patent Leather Slingback Pumps Size 39 Elevate your style with these striking Versace Medusa slingback pumps in vibrant pink patent leather. These sophisticate...
Gucci Python Snakeskin-Print Platform Pumps size 37.5
By Gucci
Located in Brossard, QC
Appearing in "Wild rose" Python Snakeskin-Print Platform Pumps in leather. These platform pumps have slingback straps and angled square toes. Square Toe Buckle Fastening Ankle Strap ...
Pink Jimmy Choo Leather Ankle Strap Heeled Sandals Size 42
By Jimmy Choo
Located in New York, NY
Pink leather ankle strap heeled sandals by Jimmy Choo. Gold-tone hardware. Buckle closures at ankle straps. 0.75" platform height, 4.25" heel height. Designer Size: 42 US Recom...
Jimmy Choo Blush and Pink Snake Slingback Heels - 40
By Jimmy Choo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
These Jimmy Choo heels have a unique look. They feature a crossing toe bed, platform, and slingback. The shoes are in very good condition with minimal bottom w...
New Gucci Spring 2005 Velvet and Crocodile Heels Mules Sz 8.5
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Brand New Spring 2005 * Stunning Velvet Crocodile Heels * Euro: 8.5 * Fuchsia Velvet * Dark Brown Crocodile Ankle * Gold Footbed & Lining * 4.25...
New With Box Gucci Velvet and Crocodile Heels Mules Sz 36
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Brand New * Stunning Velvet Crocodile Heels * Euro: 36 * Fuchsia Velvet * Dark Brown Crocodile Ankle * Gold Insole & Lining * 4.25" Heel * With Box, Dust Cover & Extra...
New Gucci Horsebit Lizard Swarovski Crystal Pumps Heels Sz 9
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Horsebit Heels Brand New * Stunning in Satin Horsebit * Iconic Gold & Swarovski Crystal Horsebit Toe * Size: 9 * Open Toe * Leather Ins...
New Gucci Runway Spring 2005 Python Snakeskin Gold Heel Mules Sz 7.5
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Horsebit Heels Brand New Spring 2005 * Stunning in Red Snakeskin * Studded Gold Heel * Size: 7.5 * Leather Insole * Open toe * 3.25" Heel * W...
New Gucci Runway Spring 2005Python Snakeskin Gold Heel Mules Sz 6
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Horsebit Heels Brand New with Box Spring 2005 * Stunning in Red Snakeskin * Studded Gold Heel * Size: 6 * Leather Insole * Open toe * 3.25" H...
New Gucci Runway Spring 2005Python Snakeskin Gold Heel Mules Sz 6.5
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Horsebit Heels Brand New Spring 2005 * Stunning in Red Snakeskin * Studded Gold Heel * Size: 6.5 * Leather Insole * Open toe * 3.25" Heel * With Box, Dust Cover and Extra Heel ...
Created during Alessandro Michele's tenure at the brand, this sparkling, whimsical minaudière feels just right for a night out.
The iconic Italian label’s traveling exhibition has just arrived in London.
