Gucci Biography

Guccio Gucci was born in 1881 in Florence, Italy. Guccio began his career in 1906, opening The House of Gucci, a saddle and leather goods store. As time progressed (the automobile became a more prominent form of transportation than horseback) so did his products and clientele. Guccio began selling luxury leather goods and accessories, however, his roots can still be seen- for instance, the iconic Gucci horsebit.

In 1938 Guccio opened another location in Rome. During the next fifteen years he designed many of the most well known Gucci handbags and accessories to date such as the bamboo handle Gucci bags. Guccio also developed the signature Gucci green and red webbing, taken from the saddle girth, in the early fifties.

When Guccio died in 1953 his sons Aldo, Vasco, Ugo and Rodolfo took over the company. Despite family disputes, Gucci continued to flourish, opening stores in Milan and New York. In the 1960's Gucci became firmly embedded in the American consciousness when Jackie Kennedy began carrying a Gucci bag which quickly became known as the "Jackie O". It was during the 60's that the classic GG Gucci logo came into being.

Unfortunately, during the late 1970's it seemed that the famed Gucci history may have been coming to an end. Vehement family fighting and many poor company decisions diluted the brand, taking away Gucci's luxury status and thrusting the company into serious financial jeopardy.

Revitalization for the company came in the form of Tom Ford, who in 1995 took creative control of the dying company and brought it back to its former glory and then some. Ford left Gucci in 2004. Creative control is now held by Frida Giannini. If you are interested in a more detailed

Gucci biography click here.

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