Even if you are not a fashion icon, you probably know Gucci. Gucci is one of the top brands in the world. It hails from Italy and is popular for its distinctive designs in the fashion industry. Many of its creations are enduringly classic and boldly innovative, frequently sparking social media trends with their groundbreaking styles. This brand can turn the fashion landscape upside down. There are so many lesser-known facts about Gucci.

When exploring Gucci facts and history, it’s worth noting that the brand currently falls under the Kering Group, a luxury group in France. In 2019, Gucci boasted an impressive annual revenue of €9.63 billion. As per Interbrand’s 2019 compilation of the best global brands, Gucci secured the 33rd spot. Since 2000, the brand has consistently featured in the list of the most valuable brands year after year, highlighting its enduring appeal and prestige.

Many models, bloggers, and fashion influencers love Gucci. The brand is known for setting trends and making new, exciting designs that people who love fashion are drawn to. Plus, it’s considered one of the world’s most important brands. In 2020, the brand was worth about $17.63 billion.

History Of Gucci

The history of Gucci is a captivating tale that spans over a century, intertwining elements of craftsmanship, innovation, and luxury.

Guccio Gucci founded the Gucci brand in Florence, Italy, in 1921. Inspired by the elegance of wealthy travelers he observed while working at London’s Savoy Hotel, Gucci aspired to merge this sophistication with the artisanal craftsmanship of his native Tuscany—initially, Gucci’s Florence shop specialized in leather goods, luggage, and items for horseback riding.

In the 1950s, Gucci began attracting a high-profile clientele, including Hollywood stars, who helped the brand achieve international fame. During this time, some of Gucci’s most iconic products were introduced, including the bamboo-handled bag, the green-red-green web stripe, and the horse-bit loafer.

The company expanded significantly under the direction of Guccio’s sons, Aldo and Rodolfo, who opened stores in New York City and other major global cities. By the 1960s, Gucci had developed into a globally recognized symbol of modern luxury.

However, the 1980s and 1990s were tumultuous times for Gucci. Family disputes and mismanagement resulted in declining sales and tarnished the brand’s reputation. In 1993, Rodolfo’s son, Maurizio Gucci, sold his stake to a Bahrain-based investment company, Investcorp.

In 1994, Hiring Tom Ford as Creative Director marked a new era. The designs of Tom Ford profoundly influenced the identity of Gucci. His creative prowess transformed Gucci into a sought-after luxury brand. His bold tailoring and debonair style designs significantly impacted the fashion world. 

In 1999, the French luxury group Kering acquired Gucci. Several creative directors have since taken the helm, including Frida Giannini and, most recently, Alessandro Michele. Under Michele’s direction, Gucci has seen a revitalization of its aesthetic, with a strong emphasis on eclectic, retro-inspired designs that have struck a chord with a new generation of fashion enthusiasts. Alessandro won the International Fashion Designer Award of the Year in 2015. Marco Bizzari is the brand’s current owner, and now Gucci has a unique brand identity.

Interesting Facts about Gucci

Here are some fascinating and unknown facts about Gucci:

1. Gucci was founded in Italy, a country known for its fashion, but its inspiration came from the style of England.
2. The brand’s first products were leather items like briefcases and bags, which are still top sellers today.
3. The famous double G logo stands for Guccio Gucci.
4. Guccio Gucci used to work as an elevator operator at the Savoy Hotel, where he met celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Winston Churchill. Their accessories inspired him to start his brand.
5. During the 1940s, when Benito Mussolini was the Italian Prime Minister, leather was hard to get. So, Gucci used silk for their products.
6. Many celebrities, including American rapper “2 Chainz,” are big fans of Gucci. He once joked, ‘When I die, bury me inside the Gucci store.’
7. One of Gucci’s first products was a detachable leather bag for saddles, popular with Italian horsemen.
8. The Horsebit logo, a staple of the brand, was introduced in the 1950s and is still part of the brand.
9. The Gucci brand name was initially used on saddlebags before it was put on other items like briefcases and jewelry.
10. Guccio Gucci managed the brand until he passed away in 1953.
11. After Guccio’s death, his three sons, Aldo, Vasco, and Rodolfo, took over the business and promoted Gucci products through Hollywood celebrities.
12. The famous English-American actress Elizabeth Taylor was known for using the Gucci hobo bag.
13. Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, requested the “Flora” print on scarves, marking its first appearance on such accessories. The design was created by Guccio’s son, Rodolfo.
14. The GG logo was designed in 1960 to honor Guccio Gucci after his passing.
15. The Gucci family faced a scandal in the 1980s, leading to the company’s bankruptcy.
16. In 1994, Tom Ford became Gucci’s Creative Director, bringing about a transformation in the brand.
17. After Tom Ford’s appointment, sales shot up by 90% within five years. At one point, he was the company’s largest shareholder.
18. Gucci introduced “Genius Jeans” in 1998, which set a Guinness World Record for being the most expensive pair of jeans globally, valued at $3,134.
19. The world’s top designers, such as Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen, collaborated with Gucci.
20. In 2005, Gucci partnered with UNICEF, pledging a percentage of all profits to provide clean water and education to children in developing countries.
21. The bamboo shopper is a popular Gucci item created when there was a shortage of leather, leading designers to use other materials like bamboo.
22. Gucci held its first runway show in Florence sixty years after its inception.
23. Gucci frequently revitalizes classic items like the Flora scarf, reinvented for the Cruise Collection 2015.
24. In 2004, Tom Ford left Gucci to start his own brand. Then, Frida Giannini took over as Creative Director in 2006.
25. In 2015, Alessandro Michele was named Creative Director, and his appointment led to a 12% increase in sales. Under his leadership, Gucci has seen increased visibility at global events like Milan Fashion Week.
26. In 2017, Gucci held a fashion show at Westminster Abbey, London, becoming the first brand to do so.
27. Gucci launched the global campaign “Chime for Change,” funding over 200 projects to empower women and girls.

What’s Gucci’s Current Performance?

The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the company’s activities in 2020. Gucci faced significant challenges due to global store shutdowns and decreased consumer spending, as reported by the Kering group’s first-quarter report. Despite a promising start in January before the pandemic’s onset, Kering Group’s revenue was $3.476 billion for the first three months of 2020. In 2021, the brand value was approximately $15.6 billion.

It was a 16.4% drop compared to the same period in the previous year. The brand, known for its handmade, costly, and durable Italian leather, has maintained this standard for decades, producing top-quality products with a reliable reputation.

As one of the oldest and most respected Italian fashion brands still active today, Gucci initially made its name as a luxury luggage maker, crafting high-end travel goods and equestrian gear for Italy’s elite. Today, Gucci is approved for its innovative fashion design, often setting social media trends with its innovative creations. So, if you’re a fan of Gucci or own any of their items, you surely appreciate the style and appeal they add to your wardrobe.