Gucci Pearl Heel Loafer SS2016
View Similar Items
Gucci Pearl Heel Loafer SS2016
About the Item
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.
- Chanel Sand & Coral Platform Heels (Spring2012)By ChanelLocated in Los Angeles, CASand & coral platform heels by Chanel Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear Sand colored, sparkly textured base Black ankle strap Silver metal buckle and log...Category
2010s Italian Shoes
- Chanel Turquoise Green Grecian Column Platform Wrap-Up Sandals Cruise 2018By ChanelLocated in Los Angeles, CAChanel Turquoise Green Grecian Column Platform Wrap-Up Sandals Cruise 2018 Collection Turquoise/Green Platform Column heel Gold-tone interlocking CC detail Open toe Strappy front C...Category
2010s Italian Strap Sandals
- Tod’s Desert BootLocated in Los Angeles, CATod's Desert Boot Made in Italy Brown Suede Black textured rubber sole Black leather laces Padded heel collar Black grommets or laces Excellent like new condition; Preloved wi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Boots
- Bottega Veneta Red Padded Leather MulesBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Los Angeles, CARed padded leather mules by Bottega Veneta Made in Italy Mule heels Solid red Quilted Slide-on Square toe Material: 100% lambskin; 100% lambskin lining Rubber-injected leather outs...Category
2010s Italian Shoes
- Bottega Veneta Pink Padded Leather MulesBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Los Angeles, CAPink padded leather mules by Bottega Veneta Made in Italy Mule heels Solid pink Quilted Slide-on Square toe Material: 100% lambskin; 100% lambskin lining Rubber-injected leather ou...Category
2010s Italian Shoes
- Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Ball Heel Sandals (Circa 1990s)By Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Los Angeles, CABall heel sandals by Yves Saint Laurent Circa 1990's Made in Italy Black satin toe strap Black leather insole Ball heel covered in crystals Wooden sole Great vintage condition...Category
1990s Italian Shoes
- Dolce & Gabbana tan and brown leather platform sandals, sz 39By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in London, GBDolce & Gabbana tan and brown leather platform sandals ca. 1990-1999Category
1990s Italian Shoes
- Jimmy Choo Nude Ellie Patent Leather BootiesBy Jimmy ChooLocated in Scottsdale, AZThese Jimmy Choo's are destined to come with you on your next night out! The neutral color will go with your whole wardrobe while the interesting design features will elevate your lo...Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Heels
- Dolce & Gabbana Beige Leather Pointed Toe Pumps Size 38By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Dolce & Gabbana has designed this excellent pair of pumps that will complement almost every outfit you own. These pumps are made from leather and come in a lovely shade of beige. The...Category
2010s Italian Heels
- Dior Beige Patent Leather Bow Detail Square Toe Pumps Size 39By Christian DiorLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Add tons of style to your look by donning these patent leather pumps. This pair of Dior pumps have a matching bow detail on the square-toe vamps. These beige pumps are a smart pick f...Category
2010s Italian Heels
$393 Sale Price30% Off - Christian Louboutin Multicolor Lady Peep Toe Spikes Platform Pumps Size 38.5By Christian LouboutinLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Stand out from a crowd with this gorgeous pair of Louboutins that exude high fashion with class! Crafted from suede and patent leather, this is a creation from their Lady Peep collec...Category
2010s Italian Heels
- Louis Vuitton Off-White Canvas Love Logo Ballet Flats Size 39.5By Louis VuittonLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Lend a luxurious appeal to your casuals with these chic ballet flats from Louis Vuitton. Crafted from canvas with and designed with Love logo accents on the uppers, they offer a good...Category
2010s Italian Shoes
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.