Oman today_ Guccio Gucci was born on March 26, 1881, in Florence. Coming from a family of leather workers, he moved to London in his youth and began working at the Savoy Hotel. This opportunity allowed him to meet wealthy and affluent individuals from around the world. Having grown up around leather and crafts, he was inspired by his experiences handling luggage for travelers and decided to return home to work at a leather factory. This decision ultimately led to the founding of the Gucci brand in 1921.
Gucci’s first store in Florence initially focused on producing equestrian accessories and leather saddles, quickly becoming popular among the wealthy classes in Italy and England. During World War II, due to shortages of materials, Gucci began producing bamboo handbags and other new products, one of which became a symbol of the brand. The bamboo bag was designed in 1947 and, shortly after, the iconic double G logo was introduced as a representation of the brand’s identity.
In 1953, the first Gucci boutique opened in New York. Unfortunately, Guccio passed away just 15 days after the opening, but the Gucci brand entered a period of unprecedented fame and success. This boutique quickly became a hotspot for celebrities and high-profile individuals, and the brand’s bag designs gained widespread attention. Notably, the bamboo bag chosen by Grace Kelly and the renaming of it to “Jackie” became an iconic symbol associated with Jacqueline Kennedy.
In the 1970s, Gucci expanded into the Asian market, opening boutiques in Hong Kong and Tokyo. However, internal family conflicts led to managerial and economic challenges for the brand in the 1980s. Despite these internal issues and a decline in popularity, the brand made efforts to regain its status, notably by launching its first ready-to-wear collection in 1981.
This challenging journey demonstrates how the Gucci brand, through persistence and creativity, was able to overcome crises and become one of the most prestigious fashion brands in the world.