Some History and Background on Gucci
Born in 1881, craftsman’s son Guccio Gucci
founded the House of Gucci as a saddlery shop
in Florence in 1906. Guccio's first talent was
his craftsmanship in leather goods. He started
out selling leather bags to horsemen in the 1920’s
and progressed to luxury luggage as his clients
graduated from equine transportation to horseless
carriages. In 1938 Guccio Gucci opened their first
retail shop on the Via Condotti in Rome.
In 1947 the immediately
recognizable Gucci icon, the leather bag with
bamboo handle, is created. During the 1950’s
the trademark red striped webbing is introduced,
taken from its original form place on a saddle
girth. This became an emblem much as the leather
moccasin with leather bit.
Guccio Gucci created many of his classics early
during the 1950’s; products such as luggage,
ties, shoes, and the famous handbags sporting
the bamboo handle. After his death in 1953, his
family was able to take the enormously successful
company to new heights by opening stores in Paris,
Beverly Hills, London, Palm Beach, and Tokyo.
The 1960’s brought increased fame to the
Gucci Empire. Such Hollywood stars as Grace Kelly,
Peter Sellers and Audrey Hepburn made the name
Gucci synonymous with “chic”. Jackie
Kennedy helped by being photographed with the
Gucci shoulder bag, which subsequently became
known as the “Jackie O”. The company
adopts the “GG” logo.
But with the fame and recognition
of the brand name came some turmoil. While Gucci
goods were considered a status symbol of the times,
management and inner family seemed to disagree.
Brother Maurizio Gucci took an apparently ailing
business over from his founding brother, who in
turn sold it to an Arab concern in the 80’s.
In the 1990’s, Tom
Ford, Gucci’s newest executive head, has
brought Gucci back to the center of chic, and
now commands a varied line of products including
leather fashions, perfumes, colognes, cosmetics,
shoes (including the moccasin with the distinctive
Gucci snaffle-bit), the "Flora" foulard
created for Grace Kelly by Rodolfo Gucci, suitcases,
watches, jewelry, silk scarves, sports articles,
belt clasps (the one with the Guccio Gucci initials,
was introduced 1964), ties, and eyeglasses.
Of notable mention are Gucci’s
Perfumes and Colognes for men and women, all available
at FragranceWholsale.
Envy by Gucci Perfume. Was created in 1997. Envy
Perfume by Gucci is a romantic blend of magnolia,
jasmine, violet, iris, sandalwood, musk, vetiver,
and moss.
Gucci #3 by Gucci Collectible
Miniature Perfume. Gucci #3 was created for the
discerning woman. It is a light floral scent with
musk undertones.
Rush was created by Gucci
in 1999. Rush is a blend of florals and spices
including gardenia, sandalwood, vanilla, and patchouli.
Rush for Men was created
by Gucci to indulge the senses. Rush Cologne for
men is a blend of lavender, sandalwood, incense,
patchouli, cedar, and musk.
All of these products provide
free advertising as the patrons proudly display
the elite Gucci labels. The next time you watch
Mel Brooks’comedy classic film “Blazing
Saddles”, watch when the new sheriff rides
into town….
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