June 5, 2025 | Posted in Blog
These days, Gucci is so much more than just a fashion brand – it’s a dynasty and empire.
With legendary status, comes infamy and thanks to the 2021 film, House of Gucci, curiosity about the origins of this luxury brand remains a big part of pop culture.
Adored by celebs like Beyonce, Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, Elle Fanning, and A$AP Rocky, Gucci is a designer staple, being favoured by stylists and fashion lovers alike for decades. Now, as it reaches 104 years of clothing excellence, we’re taking a look at its beginnings, what made it a staple, and why it isn’t going anywhere.
The House of Gucci was founded by Florence-born Guccio Gucci in 1921. Guccio had spent a few years in London working at The Savoy Hotel as a porter and was inspired by the high-end luggage he handled. He would then return to Italy and train in leather work while at fashion brand, Franzi.
The first Gucci boutique in the Via della Vigna Nuova shopping area would focus on hand-crafted luggage pieces and leather goods. Later on, they would also begin selling equestrian accessories.
Guccio had five children, his sons, Aldo, Vasco, Rodolfo, and Ugo (his adopted stepson) and his daughter, Grimalda. He would bring his sons into the business from 1925 onwards.
One of its first challenges as a family business came in 1935 when leather became hard to come by in Italy. Gucci would rise to this challenge though, creating a new material out of woven hemp sourced from Naples to make their goods. The brand’s first commercially successful bags were made from this and featured the brown-on-tan diamond pattern that Gucci is now known (and loved) for.
Innovation continued after World War II, with another leather shortage leading to Aldo Gucci designing the company’s first pigskin bag. There was also the introduction of the iconic bamboo-handled bag that we’re obsessed with to this day – the stunning handles are still made by hand for that extra luxe touch.
The opening of Gucci’s Rome store in 1938 was the first of many big moves for the company but it was Rodolfo opening a storefront in Milan in 1951 and Aldo opening another at the Savoy Plaza Hotel in New York City in 1953 that solidified the brand’s must-have status.
The introduction of footwear and more equestrian-style pieces expanded the brand further. Hollywood A-listers and others with influence also began flocking to Gucci stores making it a fashion house in demand.
For the Gucci brothers, things were going well within the business until, in 1952, their father passed away.
Aldo, Vasco, and Rodolfo Gucci would divide the family business, allegedly excluding their stepbrother, Ugo, purposely. Despite the drama, it was a clear example of divide and conquer as the brand went from strength to strength.
With the introduction of the famous Gucci loafer in the 50s plus the first-lady favourite Jackie bag, a ready-to-wear collection, and the GG monogram in the 60s, the fashion house was on a constant upward trajectory.
The 70s would bring stores in Tokyo and Hong Kong, plus another New York storefront dedicated to ready-to-wear clothing. In 1975, Gucci released its first perfume, No 1.
The 1980s was a decade of decadence and more drama for Gucci. On the positive side, its flora-inspired fashion week collection in 1981 was a smash hit and would start Gucci’s longstanding love affair with florals (it was actually groundbreaking back then). It would also establish lifestyle items like home decor, sports equipment, and dog carriers.
On the negative side, the Gucci family was at odds with each other. There had always been some sibling rivalry amongst Guccio’s sons but this would become a generational feud.
For starters, Aldo’s son, Paulo, would try to launch a new fashion brand with the Gucci name. Following family arguments and lawsuits, this was blocked. Paulo would retaliate with a $13.3 million lawsuit against five of his family members for an alleged assault against him.
When the company director, Rodolfo Gucci died in 1983, he controversially passed on his majority stake to his son, Maurizio. Aldo Gucci had focused the brand on mass production for several years but Maurizo disagreed with his uncle’s approach, wanting to bring the brand back to its luxury roots.
There would be a back-and-forth between the uncle and nephew, causing a rift within the family. An accusation of tax evasion here and an accusation of forgery there – by the end of the decade Aldo had spent time in prison and Maurizio had seemingly come out on top, acquiring a majority stake in Gucci with bank, Investcorp.
In 1989, Dawn Mello was brought in and she hired the now legendary Tom Ford to help manage the ever-evolving ready-to-wear collection. At first, they focused on what had worked for it before but, as creative director, Ford amped up Gucci’s luxe feel, taking it into the 90s with a fresh take on fashion.
In this era, Gucci’s designs were distinctive and it felt like a resurrection. He knew how to use opulent fabrics and silhouettes to compliment the female form and this felt new back in the 90s.
His first full collection in 1995 was seen as a daring statement – sensual but elegant. Compared to Mello’s initial approach, it was a real risk but, it paid off.
With supermodels like Kate Moss and Naomi Campell on its runways and celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna wearing its designs, Gucci was seemingly back on track.
Maurizio Gucci had been resistant to some of Mello and Ford’s changes and, in 1993, he sold the rest of his shares to Investcorp. Unfortunately, just two years later, he was shot dead. It was presumed that his ex-wife had hired a hitman.
The film, House of Gucci, which stars Lady Gaga (a well-known Gucci lover) as Maurizio’s ex-wife, Patrizia Reggiani, focuses on the intricate unravelling of the Gucci family dynasty.
In 1999, PPR (now known as Kering) beat out LVMH to purchase a controlling stake in the Gucci Group for $3 billion. They have remained Gucci’s parent company until the present day. The unrest and innovation of the 90s would be left behind, as the Y2K Gucci era began.
Tom Ford had brought in Frida Giannini initially as accessories head but she would then become his successor in 2006. Frida was a fan of Gucci’s Flora print from the early 80s and would bring it back into circulation.
Frida’s collections would abandon Ford’s sex-focused style and focus on an elegant, jet-setter aesthetic. At first, this would serve the company well but, as the naughties drew to a close, Gucci would lose some of its momentum with many collections being seen as easily forgettable.
After Giannini departed in 2014, another accessories head would take over, Alessandro Michele. No wonder some of the fashion house’s most notable accessories would become popular again, especially with the rise of OG influencers expressing their obsession with all things Gucci.
Michele was described as eccentric and had a background in menswear but, he was somewhat unknown at the time. Regardless, his romantic vision for the brand was a hit and he delivered record sales.
His designs reflected the contemporary world, with gender non-conformity and sustainability becoming a defining part of his tenure.
In 2017, Gucci stopped using fur and in 2020, the Milan Spring/Summer runway show was completely carbon neutral. The clothing items on the catwalk were part of the brand’s first ever entirely sustainable collection.
In the last decade, Gucci has also made itself known for viral design collaborations, including accessories and clothes with Adidas, Disney, The North Face and Xbox.
Michele left Gucci in 2022 and the current creative director is women’s and menswear designer, Sabato De Sarno but, as of 2025, he is in the process of stepping down.
This leaves Gucci uncertain of its future but, as for its fashion legacy, that remains undeniable.
The latest generation of the Gucci family isn’t as well-known today with most of them preferring to stay out of the spotlight.
Representing couture Italian artisanship, Gucci is known for creating unique clothing items, bags, shoes and other fashion accessories. Its pieces are eclectic and bold, while still showcasing traditional, high-end style. It transcends what is trending while still setting the trend for what’s to come.
It has also produced a host of popular pieces that any fashion fan would want in their wardrobe. Here are a few of our favourites:
As mentioned above, this was a big hit for Gucci. Created in 1961, the Jackie was originally called the G1244 but this was changed when first lady and style icon, Jaqueline Onassis (then Kennedy) began taking hers everywhere. The half-moon silhouette combined with the unique piston-shaped closure and easy-to-style aesthetic was a winner from the get-go. It’s been brought back a few times and is still a Gucci favourite to this day.
A homage to Gucci’s equestrian beginnings, since its inception in 1953, the Horsebit loafer has defined the brand’s shoe catalogue. Androgynous yet preppy, you can now get this gorgeous shoe in a plethora of colours, patterns and style variations.
Whether you get it in leather or the signature Gucci canvas, there’s no denying that the GG buckle belt remains a staple in many of our wardrobes. It comes in multiple colours but the classic black and brown belts are the most popular choices.
Proof that Gucci really does know what they’re doing when it comes to bags, we had to add the bamboo-handled handbag to this list too. One of its earliest staples, created in 1947, the bamboo handle is lightweight and sturdy but looks super chic. The bag was adored by Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Diana but these days, you can see it on the arms of celebs like Florence Welsh and Beyonce.
For old Hollywood glam, the flora silk scarf is an absolute essential. This beautiful bit of craftsmanship was originally designed for Grace Kelly in 1966 and is one of those amazing accessories that you can pair with so many outfit options, depending on the flora motif that you pick.
Gucci clothing has come in a series of aesthetics and stunning designs but the Gucci T-Shirt remains one of the most recognisable, accessible and versatile pieces, with many limited editions gracing our shopping bags. The quality? Fantastic. Colour choices? Endless.
If you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe with a quality designer bag (or maybe something from the list above), Your Dream Bag may be just what you’re looking for.
With our handpicked selection of designer handbags and accessories and easy-to-enter competitions, getting your hands on your next fashion fave is just a few clicks away.
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