Gucci is one of the most prominent brands in the world and most likely one of the first luxury fashion brands you ever heard of. The Gucci fashion brand is one that has stood the test of time and come out as one of the top players in the fashion industry.
Behind every great fashion brand are the people who put things in place and made it all happen. Let’s take a look at Guccio Gucci, the man behind the Gucci fashion brand, and the Gucci brand itself.
Things You Didn’t Know About Guccio Gucci And The Gucci Fashion Brand
1. Guccio Gucci had Humble Beginnings
Guccio Gucci was the son of a leather maker. As a teenager, he moved to Florence in search of greener pastures and that is where he found inspiration for his fashion brand. Guccio Gucci managed the brand himself until he died in 1953.
2. Guccio Gucci Founded the Brand At 40
Guccio Gucci founded the Gucci fashion brand in Florence, Italy, at the age of 40. Before he started his company, he worked as an elevator boy at the Savoy Hotel in London. The accessories of famous people he saw at the hotel inspired him to start his fashion brand later on.
3. The Style Inspiration for Gucci was the Engish
Although Italy is a country known for its fashion, the style of Gucci was inspired by those living in London and around England.
4. The GG Logo Stands for Guccio Gucci
The GG logo that has become famous for being associated with the Gucci fashion brand stands for Guccio Gucci. It wasn’t created by the founder himself but was created in 1960, after his passing, in honour of the man behind the brand.
5. Gucci Started with producing Leather Luggage
When the company first started, they specialised in producing quality leather luggage and they quickly built a reputation for quality and hiring skilled craftsmen. Separate leather bags for saddles were among the first items Gucci made.
Although the brand has diversified and moved into other things, quality briefcases and handbags are some of the things they are known for.
6. The Brand’s Horse Bit Detail was Inspired by Horse Riding Aristocrats
The biggest patrons of the Gucci fashion brand were horse-riding aristocrats and this inspired the equestrian detail in Gucci products.
7. The Business remained Booming During World War II
In the 1940’s Italy was at war and was under an authoritarian dictatorship so leather was hard to come by. The company decided to try other materials and tested materials like linen and burnished cane or bamboo. The burnished cane or Bamboo bag made at that time became so popular it in production till date.
8. Gucci has its Museum
Gucci has its museum in Florence, Italy. The museum showcases the history of the brand and has a Gucci-cafe, a bookstore, and an Icon Store where you can buy Gucci products specially designed for the museum. The museum also contains bags and evening wear worn by celebrities.
9. The Gucci Loafers are the Only Footwear on Display at the Metropolitan Museum in York
Gucci created the Gucci loafer shoe, with their signature horse-bit detail, in 1932. A pair of these shoes were added to the collection of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 1985. To date, they are the only footwear on display at the museum.
10. Gucci gives back to Society
Gucci entered into a partnership with UNICEF in 2005. Because of this partnership, a certain portion of all profits made by the brand is given to UNICEF to help children get a better education and clean water in third-world nations.
Apart from their partnership with UNICEF, Gucci has a ‘Chime for Change’ project which aims to empower young girls and women. This project has successfully funded over 200 separate projects so far.
Guccio Gucci is one person that proved that it is never too late to live out your dream. His life also shows that your background should never hold you back from living out your dreams no matter how outrageous they may seem. His life and brand proved that when you offer quality products to your clients they will always keep coming back to you.
Skill, quality products and creativity can take your fashion brand to heights you never thought possible. Keep at it and you will reap the fruits of your labour.
