GUCCI Italy Sleek Black Canvas Blondie Clutch c 1970
View Similar Items
GUCCI Italy Sleek Black Canvas Blondie Clutch c 1970
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)Length: 10.5 in (26.67 cm)
- Place of Origin:Italy
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Extremely good vintage condition. Very minor plating wear on gilt initials.
- Seller Location:University City, MO
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU736240960
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.
- Pierre Cardin Sleek Python Versatile Clutch Bag c 1970By Pierre CardinLocated in University City, MOPierre Cardin Sleek python versatile clutch bag c 1970 The chic handbag is covered with exotic python skin The versatile designs converts from a mod clutch Transitions to a stylis...Category
1970s French Clutches
- Judith Leiber Quilted Champagne Silk Bag with Faux Coral Clasp, 1980'sBy Judith LeiberLocated in University City, MOHighly unusual Judith Leiber champagne silk handbag with trapunto embroidery forming wavelike rows that give this piece an interesting quilted ...Category
1980s American Clutches
$410 Sale Price28% Off - Judith Leiber Exquisite Crystal Encrusted Figural Woman Minaudière circa 1980sBy Judith LeiberLocated in University City, MOJudith Leiber Exquisite crystal encrusted figural woman minaudiere' The opulent gilt metal figural evening bag is designed with an elegant woman's head. Encrusted with contiguous row...Category
Late 20th Century American Evening Bags and Minaudières
$1,875 Sale Price41% Off - Rodo Italy Chic Woven Wicker Rattan Clutch Bag c 1980By RodoLocated in University City, MORodo Italy woven rattan wicker clutch bag c 1980 The light brown compact size wicker clutch is designed with a sleek gilt metal band that runs thru t...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Clutches
- Opulent Mother of Pearl Crystal Encrusted Compact Evening Bag by Elgin c 1950sBy ElginLocated in University City, MOOpulent mother of pearl crystal encrusted evening bag- compact case designed by Eligin c 1950s The elegant evening purse - cosmetic case is designed with exotic mother of pearl tiles throughout the exterior The lid cover is encrusted with collection of aquamarine glittering crystals accented with a floral motif in the center. The interior is designed with a pair of rouge & face powder compartments. The gilt metal lid covers are adorned with art deco style leaping gazelles Paired with a brown cloth carrying case suspended from a hand strap The elegant case may be carried as a chic clutch style purse separately without the carrying case Designed by Eligin American Measurements: The length of the mother of pearl case...Category
1950s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
$375 Sale Price21% Off - Saks Fifth Avenue Mod White Lucite Tile Handbag c 1970sBy For Saks Fifth AvenueLocated in University City, MOSaks Fifth Avenue mod white lucite tile handbag c 1970s The sleek retro handbag is designed with a pair of white lucite rectangular panels on both the front and back exterior sides...Category
1970s Unknown Top Handle Bags
- 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
- Rodeo Metallic Silver Crochet ClutchBy RodoLocated in Alford, MAThis go-with-everything clutch is perfect for traveling and summer evenings out. Crafted of crocheted silver metallic thread, the envelope-style clutch by Rodo has a unique clasp - a...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Clutches
- Faux Tortoise Shoulder Bag/Clutch, c.1980sLocated in Alford, MAConvertible clutch in faux tortoise shell features a textured goldtone clasp and gold chain. The chain folds away to convert to a clutch. Fabric interior with side compartment. Made ...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Balmain 'Patricia' Clutch in Aged Off-White Embroidered LeatherBy BalmainLocated in Paris, FRSuperb Balmain 'Patricia' clutch in aged off-white leather fully embroidered with gold, gold metal parts, mirrors and pearls. Small inside pocket. It can be worn both during the day...Category
2010s Clutches
- Chanel Vintage 1997 Name Plate Black Patent Leather Top Handle BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Vintage 1997 Name Plate Black Patent Leather Top Handle Bag Year 1997 Chanel handbag crafted in black quilted patent leather, featuring in...Category
1990s French Top Handle Bags
- CHLOE blue suede & burgundy leather DREW MINI Shoulder BagBy ChloéLocated in Zürich, CHauthentic Chloé 'Drew Mini' shoulder bag in blue suede and burgundy calfskin featuring gold-tone hardware. Opens with a pin and clasp-fastening front flap and is unlined with one ope...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
$1,032 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.