Gucci, founded in 1921 in Florence, Italy, offers handbags, ready-to-wear, footwear, and accessories. It became a global brand under Aldo Gucci's leadership. After family conflicts, Gucci was acquired by PPR in 1999, now known as Kering. As of 2023, Gucci operates 538 stores, with €9.9 billion in sales, under CEO Jean-François Palus and creative director Sabato De Sarno.
Guccio Gucci, the Italian craftsman and founder of the luxury fashion brand Gucci, was born on March 26, 1881.
Guccio Gucci is believed to have discovered luxury luggage in the late 1890s while working at the London Savoy Hotel, a renowned destination for stylish travelers.
In 1897, Guccio Gucci found work at London's prestigious Savoy Hotel as a bellboy. He was inspired to create his company by the luxurious suitcases and trunks carried by the aristocrats staying at the hotel.
In 1902, Guccio returned to Florence with a new vision for his life's work, drawing inspiration from his family heritage. He began working as a leather goods craftsman for Franzi, a prestigious luggage company favored by the wealthy, including royalty and nobility.
Between 1905 and 1912, Guccio and his wife, Aida, welcomed their sons Aldo, Vasco, and Rodolfo into the world.
Gucci, established in 1921 by Guccio Gucci, is an Italian luxury brand renowned for its fashion and leather goods.
In November 1921, Guccio Gucci opened his eponymous leather goods store on Via della Vigna Nuova in Florence, Italy, marking the beginning of the iconic Gucci brand.
In December 1921, the house of Gucci was founded by Guccio Gucci in Florence, Italy, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey that would lead to its global recognition.
In 1922, Guccio Gucci fulfilled his dream of opening his own shop by starting a Gucci leather business in Florence, with the encouragement of his wife Aida and an investor named Calzoni.
In response to the shortage of leather, Gucci developed the Diamante print using woven hemp from Naples, featuring small interconnected dark brown diamonds on a tan field. This innovative print became a signature of Gucci and was later expanded to include leather and canvas products.
In 1937, Gucci launched its handbags, marking a significant milestone in the brand's history.
In 1938, three of Guccio's sons joined the business, and Gucci opened another store in Rome's Via Condotti, marking the expansion of the company's footprint across the globe in later years.
In 1947, two years after the war, Gucci artisans discovered that Japanese bamboo perfectly fits into their remarkable ideas for alternatives. They used patented burnished bamboo for bag handles and created a timeless product that defined and solidified its image as a luxury label.
Maurizio Gucci is born to Rodolfo and Alessandra, laying the foundation for his future involvement in the renowned Gucci fashion empire.
In 1951, Rodolfo opened the first Milan store on Via Montenapoleone, marking a significant milestone in the company's history.
The iconic moccasins, known as the Gucci loafer, were introduced in 1952, marking a significant milestone in the brand's footwear line.
Guccio Gucci, the founder of the Gucci brand, passed away on January 2, 1953, in Milan, leaving behind a legacy that would continue to shape the fashion industry.
Just 15 days after the opening of Gucci's first store in the US, Guccio Gucci passed away at the age of 72 in Milan, marking a significant transition in the leadership of the business to his sons.
The Gucci name was officially registered as a trademark in 1955, solidifying its brand identity and legal protection.
In 1959, the Gucci Boutique in Rome relocated to via Condotti, marking a significant move for the company.
In 1960, the New York store relocated to a prestigious address on Fifth Avenue, positioning itself next to the St. Regis Hotel at 55th Street.
In 1961, stores opened in London and Palm Beach, and the bag that Jacqueline Kennedy was seen with was renamed the Jackie, which would be relaunched in 1999 in many colors and variations to great success, opening the era of the Gucci 'It' bag.
In March 1963, Gucci established its presence in France by opening its first store near Place Vendôme in Paris, solidifying its position as a prominent international luxury brand.
The iconic double-G logo, which became synonymous with Gucci's brand identity, was introduced in 1964, adorning belt buckles and various accessory decorations.
In 1966, the Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, received a special floral scarf from Gucci as a gift. The scarf, known as Flora, was designed by artist Vittorio Accornero and printed with 43 different types of flowers, insects, and plants in 37 colors, making it one of the finest designs in Gucci’s history.
In September 1968, Gucci opened a shoe boutique in the prestigious St Regis Hotel in New York.
In October 1968, Gucci expanded its presence in the United States by opening a store at 347 Rodeo Drive, attracting numerous Hollywood stars and contributing to the brand's global recognition.
In November 1968, Gucci expanded its presence by opening a new store in the affluent area of Beverly Hills.
Giorgio, the son of Aldo, sparked the first family feud by launching Gucci Boutique on his own, which was reabsorbed by the family group in 1972.
In 1970, Gucci made a significant move by launching a Rolls-Royce luggage set and partnering with American Motors Corporation (AMC) to create the Gucci version of the AMC Hornet, marking the brand's foray into the automotive industry.
Around 1972, Gucci established a dedicated clothing store at 699 Fifth Avenue in New York, marking a significant milestone in the brand's expansion.
In 1974, Gucci expanded its presence in the East by opening a store in Hong Kong, furthering its global reach.
Gucci launched its first fragrance in 1975, marking the beginning of a successful line of scents for the company.
In 1977, Gucci established the Gucci Galleria in its Beverly Hills store, creating a private art gallery reserved for premium clients, showcasing the brand's commitment to luxury and exclusivity.
In 1980, Paolo filed a US$ 13.3 million lawsuit against his father, uncle Rodolfo, his brothers Giorgio and Roberto, and cousin Maurizio, accusing them of assault during a board of directors meeting. This legal action came after Paolo was sidelined from the family business.
In 1981, Gucci showcased ready-to-wear clothing for the first time at the Sala Bianca in Florence, featuring the iconic Flora print.
In 1982, Gucci obtained the legal SpA designation, signifying its transition to a public company. The leadership eventually shifted to Rodolfo Gucci.
In May 1983, Rodolfo Gucci died, and his son Maurizio Gucci inherited his father's majority stake in the company.
In 1984, the lawyer Domenico De Sole took on the role of president at Gucci America, marking a significant change in the company's leadership.
In 1985, the iconic Gucci loafer was recognized for its cultural significance and added to the permanent collection of the New York Museum of Modern Art (Moma), solidifying its status as a timeless fashion icon.
In 1986, Aldo, Paolo's father, pleaded guilty to evading over US$ 7 million in taxes, which led to him being imprisoned for a year. This event had significant implications for the Gucci family and the fashion house.
Investcorp, a Bahrain-based investment company, initiates a significant investment in Gucci by acquiring as many shares as possible.
In 1988, Bahrain-based Investcorp acquired Aldo and his sons' share of the Gucci company.
Dawn Mello was hired in November 1989 as Gucci's executive vice president and chief designer.
In 1990, American designer Tom Ford is appointed to oversee women's ready-to-wear at Gucci, marking the beginning of a transformative era for the brand under his creative leadership.
In 1991, Gucci's headquarters were moved from Florence to Milan.
In September of 1993, Maurizio Gucci sold his remaining interest in the company to InvestCorp after facing legal battles.
Tom Ford was promoted from prêt-à-porter designer to creative director, playing a crucial role in rescuing the company from a time of family turmoil and company turnover.
Maurizio Gucci was assassinated in front of his office in Milan. The identity of his killer remained a mystery for nearly two years, until it was revealed that his ex-wife Patrizia Reggiani had hired a hit man through her spiritual adviser to end his life.
On June 4, 1996, the 5 letter internet domain Gucci.com was registered in the name of Guccio Gucci S.P.A. This domain has become synonymous with luxury, fashion, and style, making it one of the most well-known fashion logos in the world.
Between June 1998 and February 1999, LVMH chief Bernard Arnault started acquiring Gucci shares, ultimately reaching a stake of 34.4 percent through a series of transactions.
By January 1999, LVMH reached 34% ownership in Gucci Group NV, leading to a power struggle and subsequent tension in the fashion world.
LVMH chief Bernard Arnault attempted a takeover of Gucci, but the attempt was eventually foiled.
In March 1999, François Pinault's group bought out 40% of Gucci at $75 a share, leading to a decrease in LVMH's shares and the beginning of a cold war between LVMH and the new Gucci-PPR coalition.
In July 1999, Gucci opened a new store in Amsterdam on Hooftstraat.
In July 2000, Gucci inaugurated a new store in Paris on rue Royale.
In November 2000, Gucci opened a new store on Koenigsallee in Duesseldorf.
In December 2000, Gucci bought 51% of Alexander McQueen's couture house, sparking a feud with LVMH as McQueen was also the creative designer of LVMH's Givenchy at that time.
Following PPR's purchase, LVMH compelled its French rival to initiate a complete and equitable acquisition of Gucci, which was successfully executed on September 10, 2001.
On September 2, 2002, Gucci opened another Paris Boutique on 60 avenue Montaigne, the same location where Christian Dior started his career as a fashion assistant.
By the end of 2003, Tom Ford and Domenico De Sole made it official that they would not renew their contract with Gucci-PPR, signifying a major change in the leadership of Gucci.
In 2004, Tom Ford and Domenico De Sole left Gucci.
In 2005, Giannini was appointed as the creative director of women’s ready-to-wear at Gucci.
In 2006, Gucci signs a long-term licensing agreement with P&G for the production and worldwide distribution of its fragrances.
On March 27, 2007, a sophisticated Gucci store was opened in Brussels, adding to the brand's global presence.
The new Gucci 5th Avenue store, opened on February 20, 2008, marked the establishment of the world's largest Gucci flagship store, showcasing the brand's prominence in the fashion industry.
In 2009, Patrizio di Marco, head of group-owned Bottega Veneta, became the president and CEO of Gucci, succeeding Lee.
Giannini proposed clothes with a functional chic and a hefty dose of the essential house glamour. The designer and di Marco, who grew to become partners in life, emphasized the brand’s Italian craftsmanship, archival iconography and jet-set lifestyle.
In February 2011, Gucci found alternatives to imported leather and other materials as a result of a League of Nations embargo against Italy, showcasing its resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.
On September 28, 2011, the Gucci Museum was inaugurated in the Palazzo della Mercanzia in Florence, celebrating the rich heritage and influence of the iconic fashion house.
In 2013, PPR acquired a majority stake in Gucci, prompting a series of public legal confrontations. This event marked a significant change in the ownership and management of Gucci.
In December 2014, Marco Bizzarri, the former CEO of Bottega Veneta, was named CEO of Gucci with the task of reversing Gucci's declining sales and giving a new impetus to the brand.
In January 2015, Alessandro Michele was promoted as the creative director of Gucci, just two days after showcasing a new androgynous aesthetic for the men's fall 2015 season.
Since 2015, under the guidance of Creative Director Alessandro Michele, Gucci has been known for its innovative designs and has solidified its image as a top fashion brand.
A month after the menswear collection, Michele debuted his first womenswear collection on the Milan runway, which was highly successful and well-received.
In September 2016, Gucci inaugurated the Gucci Hub, its new Milan headquarters, built in the former Caproni aeronautical factory.
In July 2017, Gucci announced the launch of Gucci Décor, marking the brand's entry into the home decoration segment.
In April 2018, Gucci inaugurated the ArtLab, a center of innovation outside of Florence in Italy, where new products are developed and tested.
Gucci, a popular Italian fashion house, is known for its iconic handbags that are considered valuable investments in the fashion world.
In June 2018, Bizzarri set a 10 billion euro revenue target for Gucci, prompted by the brand's growth exceeding 35 percent for five consecutive quarters.
In 2019, Gucci's sales reached 9.6 billion euros, reflecting the brand's significant financial success.
Gucci released a new version of the Bamboo Handle Tote bag as a tribute to Princess Diana. The bag is a reinvented design inspired by the late princess's iconic style.
Michele directed a series of seven episodes for the collection 'Ouverture of Something That Never Ended' in November 2020, featuring artists like Billie Eilish, Harry Styles, and Florence Welch.
In December 2020, Gucci launched two stores (fashion and beauty) on Tmall following an agreement between Kering and Alibaba.
A documentary released in 2021 aims to answer popular questions from fans of the luxury designer label Gucci. It explores significant moments in the designer's life and showcases iconic shoes that caught the attention of Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn.
The movie 'House of Gucci' is set to premiere in theaters on November 24. It features Lady Gaga as Patrizia Reggiani, Adam Driver as Maurizio Gucci, and Al Pacino as Aldo Gucci.
On November 23, 2022, Alessandro Michele left the post of creative director of Gucci, marking a significant change in the brand's leadership.
On January 28, 2023, it was announced that Sabato de Sarno would be Gucci's new creative director, with his debut collection receiving mixed reviews.
A customer shares a positive experience of purchasing Gucci handbags from essenceofluxurys, highlighting the quality and service provided.
Gucci has established an enduring fashion legacy that has left a significant mark on the fashion industry.
The owner of Gucci, Kering, reported a decrease in sales and profit.
A bold armed robbery took place at a Gucci store in New York City and was recorded on video.
Gucci's fashion collection shines as De Sarno makes progress.
The heir of Gucci is launching her AGCF collection with a new store in Beverly Hills.