|
Fashion Family: The Legend of Gucci
When you
consider the magnitude of the esteemed Gucci brand today, it's hard
to believe it started out as a small leather-making shop in Florence,
Italy. The shop was opened by Guccio Gucci, son of a leather
craftsman, in 1906. Guccio exhibited the same talents his father
possessed, making functional pieces that reflected his exposure to
European designs.
Initially,
Guccio crafted leather
bags to be used by traveling horsemen. Later, after travelers
began using horseless carriages, he transitioned to upscale leather
luggage. The first Gucci retail shop was opened in 1938, located on
the scenic Via Condotti in Rome. Guccio himself designed much of the
inventory sold at the first shop.
Evolution of a Fashion Icon
In 1947, Gucci
unveiled its leather
handbag with bamboo handle, the internationally recognizable
piece that enjoys continued popularity today. This was followed by
the now famous red striped webbing that also signifies the brand.
During the 1950s, Guccio went on to design several of the famous
handbags and accessories that brought the fashion house to the
heights of popularity and prestige. Fine Gucci
purses, luggage pieces, ties, jewelry,
scarves, and other accessories comprised the company's offerings.
After the
death of Guccio Gucci in 1953, his family opened stores in several
key locations throughout the world, including Beverly Hills, Paris,
Tokyo, London, and Palm Beach. During the 1960s, the brand enjoyed an
increase in popularity and prestige when several notable celebrities
and public figures -- Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Peter Sellers, and
Jackie Kennedy, to name a few -- lent their personas to promoting the
Gucci brand. Grace Kelly even sported a custom Flora foulard designed
especially for her by Rodolfo Gucci. It was during this time that the
now universally recognizable logo was developed in honor of the late
founder Guccio Gucci.
A Company in Crisis
While the
Gucci brand may have been thriving, behind closed doors the company
was suffering due to family infighting and poor management. Meetings
often led to shouting matches and rash business decisions. Bankruptcy
was a real concern by the late 1970s. In 1993, brother Mauricio Gucci
sold the ailing business to a holding company.
A Fresh Start
With the
designation of Tom Ford as chief designer in the 1990s, the Gucci
brand was reinvented, enjoying a return to its initial lofty status
and chic appeal. With the launch of Ford's new line in 1995 and
endorsements from several top celebrities, including Gwyneth Paltrow
and Madonna, the fashion house again became one of the most exclusive
in the world. A publicly traded company, modern-day Gucci offers a
vast array of high-end Gucci purses,
travel bags, wallets, sunglasses, colognes, accessories, and footwear. |
:
8008711066
