Wearing Gucci is much more than just a matter of fashion
Who hasn’t heard the word “Gucci” floating through the air at a chic party? Anyone who wears the brand’s shoes will tell you that they walk with ease. The fashionable young woman carrying a Gucci bag will convince you without hesitation to become a fan of the brand.
Today, everyone knows this legendary name. However, it’s always useful to take a quick look back at the incredible journey of the creator of this wonderful brand.
Take a few minutes to read the brief history of this brand, which remains a pillar of Italian luxury.
The history of Gucci is a true epic, combining Tuscan craftsmanship, Hollywood glamour, and creative revolutions. Here is a detailed timeline, illustrated with key moments in the history of this Italian icon.
The Origins: The Elegance of Travel (1921–1940)
It all began in 1921, when Guccio Gucci opened his first leather goods store in Florence. Inspired by his experience as a bellboy at the Savoy Hotel in London, where he admired the luggage of the elite, he decided to create his own suitcases, combining the expertise of Italian artisans with English aesthetics. The equestrian world quickly became his signature, giving rise to iconic codes such as the horse bit.
Innovation in the face of scarcity (1940–1960)
During World War II, faced with a shortage of leather, the brand demonstrated incredible creative resilience. In 1947, Gucci launched the Bamboo bag, using heated bamboo for the handles. This was also the era when the green-red-green Web stripe, inspired by saddle straps, was created. In 1953, the year of Guccio’s death, his sons opened the first boutique in New York, marking the beginning of global expansion.
The Golden Age and Icons (1960–1980)
Gucci became the symbol of luxury for celebrities. This period saw the birth of the “Jackie” bag, named in honor of Jackie Kennedy, and the Flora scarf, created especially for Grace Kelly in 1966. The Double G logo (for Guccio Gucci) was introduced in the 1960s, becoming the brand’s unmistakable emblem.
Tom Ford’s “Porno Chic” Renaissance (1994–2004)
After a difficult period of family conflicts, Gucci was bought by Investcorp. In 1994, the young Tom Ford was appointed creative director. He saved the brand from bankruptcy by injecting a massive dose of provocative glamour and sensuality, transforming Gucci into one of the most profitable brands in the world.
The Alessandro Michele Era: Maximalist Baroque (2015–2022)
In 2015, Alessandro Michele took the reins and made a radical shift towards a “geek-chic” and androgynous aesthetic. He mixed eras, prints, and genres, redefining luxury for a new generation of consumers seeking self-expression.
The New Chapter: Sabato De Sarno (2023 – Present)
Since 2023, under the direction of Sabato De Sarno, Gucci has returned to a more refined and minimalist elegance with the “Gucci Ancora” collection. To celebrate its heritage, the house announced that the Cruise 2026 show would be held in Florence, where it all began more than a century ago.
