Gucci Biography
When the house of Gucci was founded, it was a small, family-run leather goods boutique. The humble beginnings of the parent brand were pioneered by Florentine businessman Guccio Gucci. Guccio, as a young man, worked at the luxurious Savoy Hotel in London, where his initial interest in leather goods was born. He was attracted by the suitcases and opulent bags of high-class guests. As a result, he returned to his hometown of Florence with the intention of establishing his eponymous shop. In 1921 the first real Gucci store opened and officially founded an internationally renowned brand. In 1938, with the help of his son Aldo, Guccio opened a second branch in Rome. From there, the brand began its climb to great success. The small business, started by one man, expanded to involve the entire Gucci family, with three of Guccio's sons - Adolfo, Rodolfo and Vasco - most involved. In 1951, Gucci opened a store in the epicenter of the fashion world, Milan. Being of Italian descent, Guccio hoped to keep the brand exclusively on Italian soil, but a few weeks before his death his sons opened the first international Gucci boutique in New York City. The foundation that Guccio has built for Gucci can be appreciated in the brand's famous signatures and commitment to total luxury. The inclusion of an equestrian touch began with Guccio's affinity for the recognizable horsebit motif. The same glamorous metal detail now decorates Gucci's most statement pieces, like its loafers and bags. Guccio's life and contribution to fashion continues to be celebrated decades later. In 2021, Gucci is a leader in the luxury industry, representing a standard of quality, design and cultural influence. Guccio's impact persists as the foundation of the brand's recognizable identity.
