The Rise of the House of Gucci
Today, the House of Gucci is one of the most successful brands in the fashion industry. But how did it all begin? Lets unveil the history of Gucci to its rise to fashion domination.
It all started on March 26th 1881, Guccio Giovanbattista Giacinto Dario Maria Gucci was born in Florence, Italy, the son of leather craftsmen. Little is known about the early years of Guccio Gucci. But he was known to work as a porter and elevator operator at the posh Savoy Hotel in London when he was young. What he saw at Savoy inspired him to design artistically beautiful luggage and trunks that the aristocrats used in their rooms.
In 1902 Gucci returned home to his birthplace, and began his career as a leather craftsman at Franzi, a small leather goods store in Florence. He learned the craft and sharpened his abilities, during which he developed a reputation for producing high-quality items. He clearly had an eye for detail, luxury, and how to court the affluent, which would serve him well in the years to come.
The Gucci Brand was Born
In 1921 Gucci started his own business; his first Gucci store was located on 7, Via Della Vigna Nuova in Florence. Gucci focused on crafting high-quality leather goods such as suitcases and trunks in the early years.While Guccio felt it was too risky to open new stores, he was convinced to open Gucci’s third store in Milan in 1951. During the same time, his 3 sons Vasco, Rodolfo, and Aldo secretly went to New York to look for a location to open another store.His sons’ passions prevailed and in 1953 they opened the first Gucci store in America. It was in the Savoy Plaza Hotel on East 58th Street in New York City. The store was an immediate success and was the first luxury Italian label in the city.
Guccio Gucci died within just 15 days of the store's opening in Milan. This was a tragic loss for the company. His death eventually created a power struggle within the family for the control of Gucci’s future. Still, his sons would continue Gucci's legacy and expand the brand internationally.
On March 27, 1995, tragedy struck the family. Maurizio Gucci was gunned down by a hired hitman on the steps outside his workplace as he arrived to work. The identity of Maurizio's murderer remained a mystery for nearly two years. Gucci went public on the New York and Amsterdam stock exchanges the same year. Patrizia Reggiani was eventually found guilty of hiring a hitman to kill her ex-husband Maurizio. It was the subject of the famous Hollywood film, "The House of Gucci." Directed by Ridley Scott, starring Lady Gaga and Adam Driver as Maurizio and Patrizia.
What Made Gucci so Famous?
Jacqueline Kennedy was photographed carrying Gucci handbags, the fashion company dubbed it "The Jackie." This marked the moment that Gucci bags were becoming a status symbol all over the world. Famous Hollywood stars such as Madonna and Grace Kelly helped increase Gucci's popularity. Gucci’s luxurious designs and modernizing of their image helped make them one of the most successful fashion brands in the world. Additionally, their handbags and clothing have become symbols of status. 
There was an estimate of an 85% increase in sales over 2017-2018. We can thank celebrities like Harry Styles and Kylie Jenner. Gucci is seeing more success with consumers under 35 years old driving sales.
The House of Gucci remains a global fashion powerhouse with a wide range of products coveted by women worldwide. The brand remains synonymous with luxury, quality, and timeless design. A brand that pushes boundaries and sets the tone for fashion. When you carry a piece of Gucci, you aren’t just buying a bag or dress, you’re making a statement about your own personal style and values. We believe in the power of fashion to change the world, and Gucci is a perfect example of that.
The new collection from Gucci offers something for everyone and proves that fashion can be fun, stylish, and still classy. If you’re looking to make a statement this season, be sure to check out our latest collection from Gucci.
