An insider's guide to your favourite brands
Who started it?
Guccio Gucci was born in 1881 in Florence to a leather craftsman. As a young man, he travelled to Paris and London, where he worked as a maitre d' at the Savoy Hotel. In 1921, despite having little capital, he returned to Florence and opened his first shop, specialising in saddlery leather goods and accessories. It quickly became popular among high society for its exceptional quality. By 1937, Gucci had expanded his line to include bags, trunks, gloves, shoes and belts, although the original equestrian influence remained in the horsebit and stirrup motifs he used in his designs.
During the fascist dictatorship, Gucci made a name for using materials such as hemp, linen, jute and bamboo - a response to the shortage of standard materials. In 1938, Gucci opened a store in Rome. By the 1950s he had outlets in New York, London and Paris. As the international economy took off, Gucci was transformed into a leading contemporary-luxury brand.
The classic double G logo was introduced after the second world war. Other signature styles included the moccasin with Gucci snaffle-bit, Gucci belt clasps and ties, and a Gucci luggage-set called Rolls Royce created in 1970. By the 60s, Gucci was worn by the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Kennedy (later Onassis).
In 1938, four of Guccio's sons (Aldo, Ugo, Vasco and Rodolfo) were given a minority stake in the company and have since played active roles in developing and expanding the brand. After Guccio's death in 1953, the company was headed by Aldo and Rodolfo, amid major family feuds about inheritances, stock holdings and day-to-day operations. By the 1980s the company was on the verge of bankruptcy.