From Mom n’ Pop to Megabrand: Inside Gucci’s Glorious History

Gucci

Gucci, as one of the world’s leading fashion brands, not only represents luxury but also the customer’s desire for excellence and quality. Worn by celebrities and the wealthy, Gucci is for those who want to make an understated yet clearly identifiable statement about their lifestyle choices.

Humble beginnings

According to the Gucci online shop, the company’s history had very humble beginnings, as a small leather and luggage store in Florence. Guccio Gucci drew his inspiration from the refined aesthetics he’d seen whilst working at the Savoy Hotel in London.

Iconic status

Although Gucci began in the 1920s and had already made some fashion innovations, it wasn’t really until the 1960s that the world began to sit up and take notice. Other brands such as Emporio Armani were suddenly aware of a serious contender in this Italian brand. The Gucci online shop reveals that Liz Taylor, Peter Sellers and Samuel Beckett were among the first celebrities to raise the brand to its iconic status and that the famous Flora print scarf was created at “a personal request from Grace Kelly.” What had started as a small store was now rivalling leading fashion labels such as Esprit.

Dynamic and daring

By the 90s, when brands like Rieker were focussing on following new trends, Gucci was setting them. It stood for dynamic and daring design, coupled with the company’s dedication to outstanding quality and comfort. With luminaries such as Princess Diana wearing their creations, the brand was well established as a fashion must-have.

World leaders

Stylight is proud to unveil its Gucci collection, alongside other world leaders, such as Jack & Jones. We’ve carefully selected the best of an outstanding range to offer you clothes, handbags, shoes and eyewear that are immediately recognisable without being gauche. Browse our site today and choose something from one of the world’s leading fashion labels.

From Mom n’ Pop to Megabrand: Inside Gucci’s Glorious History

Italian fashion house Gucci has certainly come a long way from its first brick-and-mortar shop, established in Florence in 1920. Today’s Gucci is an international institution complete with a full line of apparel, accessories, shoes and fragrances—all oozing with sex appeal while still remaining true to its original values of leather artistry.

Delve into Gucci’s illustrious history and discover what gives this alluring label its lasting impact.

Humble Beginnings

Guccio Gucci emigrated to Paris from Italy in the late 19th century to work as an immigrant hotel staffer. Watching glamorous, jet-setting travelers go in and out of the hotel with their luxury leather luggage in tow inspired Gucci to start making fine leather goods. He returned to Florence and established a little shop with his sons, Aldo, Vasco and Rudolfo, in 1920, where they sold handbags, shoes, and their soon-to-be-famous ornamented loafer.

Classics Emerging

Gucci’s business grew steadily in the decades following the store’s establishment, even through wartime, during which they made canvas bags instead of leather in their now-iconic red and green stripe. Before long, Gucci’s masterful leather creations and growing apparel collection established a following. By the 50s and 60s, an era ripe with tourism to Italy in the wake of films like Roman Holiday and La Dolce Vita, Gucci’s stores were attracting an international clientele.

The Tom Ford Era

After a brief decline in business in the 1980s following inter-company intrigue, Gucci was in need of a refresher. Tom Ford, a hot- shot designer who seemed to come out of thin air, was the answer. Ford’s collections for Gucci from 1990 to 2004 were among the brand’s most popular ever, embracing aggressive feminine sexuality and club-friendly silhouettes that resonated with Generation X.

Present Day

Today, Gucci has changed hands to a few choice designers, but its impact on the fashion world cannot be underestimated. The Gucci line ranges from sunglasses to swimsuits to high-fashion gowns, each of which is marked by the same dedication to luxurious textiles and flattering, sexy fit. The Gucci man or woman is strong and confident, with a keen eye for the details, and doesn’t settle for imitators.

From Florentine cobblestones to gleaming Fifth Avenue storefronts, Gucci has made an indelible mark on the fashion landscape. Embrace the heritage of this style titan today with some of their choice offerings.

Read up on Gucci’s fabulous history, from hotel staffing to high-end luxury.

... Read more