Gucci Gold Metal Logo Hard Shell Clutch Minaudière Bag, 1970s
View Similar Items
Gucci Gold Metal Logo Hard Shell Clutch Minaudière Bag, 1970s
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.
- Judith Leiber Limited Edition Woven Snakeskin Clutch BagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Boca Raton, FLWhile Judith Leiber is often highlighted for her over-the-top, jewel encrusted, novelty bags, her earlier work represents a different creative sensibility. Through careful selection ...Category
1980s Italian Clutches
- Hermes Black Leather Multicolored Lizard Clutch Rare, 1980sBy HermèsLocated in Boca Raton, FLFor almost a century now, Hermès has quietly represented luxury and status. From their scarves to their leather goods, Hermès is known for their experimental color and pattern options but tends to keep them rather tame in the interest of tradition. In the late 80s through the 90s, Hermès introduced some of their most unconventional bags ever. This circa 1988 bag...Category
1990s French Clutches
- Vintage Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Leather Tassel Clutch BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Boca Raton, FLFirst introduced in the 1960s, the intrecciato (technique of weaving the leather) weave style became the iconic hallmark of Bottega Veneta leather goods—and eventually so much more. Starting out as a ready-to-wear brand, the intrecciato pattern was a happy accident that allowed for the house to introduce sturdy leather accessories without upgrading to expensive equipment. The design is rather simple but is instantly recognizable as the essence of Bottega Veneta. Done in a buttery chestnut colored leather the exterior of this clutch dons the iconic Bottega weave...Category
1980s Italian Clutches
- Isabel Canovas Black & Gold Silk Leather Green Bakelite Leaf Clutch, 1980sBy Isabel CanovasLocated in Boca Raton, FLFrench designer Isabel Canovas is a hidden gem of the fashion scene. Having worked for some of the most eligible fashion brands including Dior, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton, Canovas eve...Category
1980s Unknown Clutches
- Vintage Bottega Veneta Red Karung Lucite Frame Clutch BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Boca Raton, FLBottega Veneta is at the pinnacle of fine leather goods and luxury accessories. Through the masterful usage of exotic leathers with clean, artisanal techniques, Bottega Veneta offers...Category
1990s Italian Clutches
- Vintage Bottega Veneta Purple Suede & Lizard Intrecciato Convertible Clutch BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Boca Raton, FLThe Bottega Veneta intrecciato weave has and will always be an iconic staple of leather and luxury. The less-is-more approach allows the design to speak for itself and ensures that it is both fashion-forward and functional. This rare Bottega Veneta hard shell clutch...Category
1980s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Minaudiere gold Moscow lion head clutch Swarovski crystals evening bagLocated in Miami, FLLimited edition Moscow gold Lion head clutch Year: 2008 handmade incrusted crystals on the lion’s head, gold plated metal and gold leather. silk lining. kisslock closure collecto...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Chanel Minaudière Evening Mini Vintage 1997 Metallic Rare Cc Charm Gold ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Mini Vintage 1997 Metallic Gold Rare Evening CC Charm Clutch Gold hardware Metallic gold-tone lambskin leather vintage Single wristlet strap at side Three pockets at exterio...Category
1990s Italian Clutches
- Prada Gold Satin Bejeweled Pochette Camera Case Cosmetic Pouch 1028p9By PradaLocated in Dix hills, NYMade In: Italy Measurements: Length: 4.75" Width: 1.5" Height: 7" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 8/10 or AB ) Accessories: Tag, Authentication Card, Care Card Signs of Wear: Exte...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Chanel Gold Tweed Couture Collection Kiss Lock Mini BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Gold Tweed Kiss Lock Bag is in excellent condition. Petite and feminine, this mini features a silver frame with kiss lock clos...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Gucci Metallic Gold Laminate Leather Studded Evening Wristlet ClutchBy GucciLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Flaunt this stunning yet practical wristlet clutch from Gucci at the next party! It has a dazzling metallic gold, laminated leather body that is highlighted with gold-tone studs. It ...Category
2010s Italian Clutches
$558 Sale Price20% Off - Charlotte Olympia Gold Metal ClutchBy Charlotte OlympiaLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Make heads turn with this unique and brilliantly designed clutch from Charlotte Olympia. Crafted from gold metal, the stunning accessory is complete with a well-defined, box-like sha...Category
2010s Italian Clutches
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.