Gucci Italy Caramel Brown Leather Blondie Shoulder Bag c 1970s
View Similar Items
Gucci Italy Caramel Brown Leather Blondie Shoulder Bag c 1970s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Height: 9 in (22.86 cm)Length: 11 in (27.94 cm)
- Style:Mod 1970s (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:The exterior covering is supple light brown leather. Adorned with Gucci's massive gilt metal initials. Lined in tan suede designed with an adjustable shoulder strap
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Overall nice vintage condition. Some light minor scuffs and slight minor darkening on the back exterior cover (see image # 7).
- Seller Location:University City, MO
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7361916973
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.
- Avant Garde Brutalist Mixed Metal Artisan Handbag ca 1970sLocated in University City, MOAvant garde brutalist mixed metal artisan handbag ca 1970s The unique handmade shoulder bag is adorned with sinuous three dimensional mixed metal work designs on the black leather f...Category
1970s Mexican Shoulder Bags
- Timmy Woods Beverly Hills Carved Wood Artisan Lion Shoulder Bag c 1990sLocated in University City, MOTimmy Wood's Beverly Hills carved wood artisan lion head shoulder bag The hand-carved wood lion head shoulder bag is constructed from fallen trees in the Philippines That can take ...Category
1990s Philippine Novelty Bags
$275 Sale Price21% Off - Gucci Rare Midnight Blue Equine Emblem Shoulder Bag c1970sBy GucciLocated in University City, MOGucci Rare midnight blue suede equine emblem shoulder bag c 1970s The luxurious gucci handbag is covered with plush doeskin suede Adorned with a sleek gilt metal horse head medallion The interior is lined in dark blue leather designed with a zippered compartment. Stamped in gold lettering: Made in italy by Gucci Paired with Gucci's signature gilt metal knight...Category
1970s Italian Shoulder Bags
- SAKS FIFTH AVENUE Black Satin Egg Shaped Versatile Clutch - Shoulder Bag c 1980sBy Saks Fifth AvenueLocated in University City, MOSAKS FIFTH AVENUE Black matte satin egg shaped clutch - shoulder bag c 1980s The elegant black satin evening bag is adorned with a cluster of clear diamante' crystals encrusted in ...Category
1980s Unknown Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Handmade Woven Wool Knit Artisan Bucket Shoulder Bag c 1990sLocated in University City, MOHandmade woven wool knit artisan bucket style shoulder bag c 1990s The unique wool knit bucket style shoulder bag is designed with pastel south western style knit designs replicated...Category
1990s Unknown Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
$295 Sale Price33% Off - St John Embossed Black Vinyl Diminutive Size Handbag- Shoulder Bag c 1990Located in University City, MOSt John embossed vinyl diminutive size handbag - shoulder bag c 1990 The stylish compact size rounded purse is covered with embossed patent black vinyl that emulates reptile skin ...Category
1990s Unknown Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 1930's Hand Woven Fish Basket Purse Bucket BagLocated in New York, NY1930's hand woven circular fish basket purse with double drop handles to carry in hand or under arm. The bag can also be used to enhance home decor and as a catch all. Beautiful piece.Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Shoulder Bags
- 2004 brown Lambskin leather pleated rings hobo shoulder bagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLNew condition with faint scratches to hardware. Includes box, dust bag and authenticity card. Extremely rare bag, super soft buttery leather. Large CC silver hardwareCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoulder Bags
- Louis Vuitton Lavender Shoulder BagLocated in New York, NYLength: 8.75” inches Height: 5.25” inches Material: leather Condition: goodCategory
1990s Shoulder Bags
- Vintage 2001 Louis Vuitton x Stephen Sprouse Monogram Graffiti PochetteBy Louis VuittonLocated in Malibu, CAThis dreamy LOUIS VUITTON limited edition leather pochette bag is as stunning as they come. A coveted collectors piece. From the Steven Sprouse collaboration this bag is to die for! ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Structured Shoulder Bags
- Dolce and Gabanna Devotion Floral Shoulder BagBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Palm Beach, FLQuilted nappa leather medium Devotion crossbody bag. Feminine and adaptable, it boasts an original heart clasp with an antique gold finish and a shoulder strap inspired by the method...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Louis Vuitton Les Extraordinaires Tupelo PM HandbagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Palm Beach, FLRare Louis Vuitton spring les extraordinaires Tupelo PM edition from the 2006 spring-summer season in excellent condition. The white leather exterior has gold embroidery and set jewe...Category
Early 2000s French Shoulder Bags
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.