Rare 1950s Gucci Black Crocodile Handbag
View Similar Items
Rare 1950s Gucci Black Crocodile Handbag
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 Swarovski Crystal Flower Motif Evening BagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Scottsdale, AZElegance and glamor right this way! This is a highly designed handbag by none other than Judith Leiber that will be sure to catch people's attention from across the room. This is a BEAUTIFUL Judith Leiber flower...Category
Early 2000s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Black Beaded Evening BagBy ChanelLocated in Scottsdale, AZComplete your evening look with this stunning Chanel bag! Circa 1997-1999, this boxy evening bag is crafted from black satin and features a black beaded motif on both sides, a black ...Category
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Emilio Pucci Rhinestone Evening BagBy Emilio PucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZThe most adorable Emilio Pucci evening bag! Black satin fabric with signature Pucci swirls striped down the front. Two small accent buckles encrusted with crystalline rhinestones. Ex...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
$525 / item - Chanel Spring 1997 Micro Mini MinaudièreBy ChanelLocated in Scottsdale, AZA beautiful vintage Chanel Spring 1997 find! This is a major conversation piece as there won't be a single person who won't notice this gem. Black a...Category
1990s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Vintage Whiting and Davis Chainmail Crossbody HandbagBy Whiting & DavisLocated in Scottsdale, AZSuper festive and fun vintage Whiting and Davis crossbody handbag! This is the perfect going out bag as the chainmail fabric is so special and eye catc...Category
Late 20th Century American Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Rare Valentino Garavani B-Rockstud Leather Crossbody Bag Snakeskin FurBy ValentinoLocated in Scottsdale, AZDo not miss out on this incredibly rare Valentino Garavani B-Rockstud leather crossbody bag in this unique rendition featuring fur and python patchwork!...Category
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel 2005 Long Rare Vintage Glitter Patent Classic Flap Bag Bijoux Chain BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel 2005 Long Rare Vintage Glitter Patent Classic Flap Bag Bijoux Chain Bag 2005 {VINTAGE 19 Years} Gold hardware Bijoux chain Black quilted glitte...Category
Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Jean Louis Scherrer Suede Bag with Deco MotifsBy Jean-Louis ScherrerLocated in Alford, MAJean Louis Scherrer shoulder bag in black suede bordered in rust suede, the front border ornamented with Art Deco-style medallions, each centering alternating black and carnelian sto...Category
Late 20th Century French Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Long Rare Vintage Patent Leather Classic Flap Bag Bijoux Chain BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLSmall Chanel patent leather quilted flap 2005 {VINTAGE 19 Years} Gold hardware Bijoux chain Two small interior pockets Strap Drop: Single 14.5” Double 8” 4.5” H x 9” W x 2.5” D Mad...Category
Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Loris Azzaro Paris Vintage Black Sequin Evening Bag W Fringe TasselsBy Loris Azzaro Paris, Loris AzzaroLocated in Portland, ORWe have always loved vintage Loris Azzaro pieces and this gorgeous evening bag is so incredible! The bag is in black and is covered with black sequins and embellished with luxurious ...Category
20th Century French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Vintage Black Resin Evening BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Black Resin Evening Bag is in excellent vintage condition from the late 1980's A rare piece that is a must have for any collect...Category
20th Century French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Black Mademoiselle Leather BagBy ChanelLocated in Paris, FRChanel black lamb leather "Mademoiselle" crossbody bag featuring iconic quilted leather, gold tone hardware with front closure, the iconic signature gold-tone metal and leather inter...Category
Early 2000s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
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.