Gucci is a famous Italian fashion brand, a fashion reference since 1920. Its founder Guccio Gucci was inspired by the luxury accessories brought by the guests of the hotel where he worked and decided to open his brand.
Since then, this family business has become an iconic brand and has expanded worldwide, destined for famous people and families. Here are some of the most curious facts you didn't know about the brand:
1- Its first success
The first success of the Gucci brand can be traced back to many years ago, after a masterstroke. During the war, the Allies forbade Italy from buying fur from abroad, so Gucci evaded these restrictions by using hemp.
Thanks to this material, he was able to patent what would become one of his biggest sellers: a print based on diamonds intertwined with various shades of brown.
2- Guccio's Passion For Horses
If you are attentive to details, you will notice that many handbags and accessories imitate stirrups and saddles. That's because its designer, Guccio Gucci, started designing inspired by horse racing.
Following in those footsteps gave him a following among the aristocratic jockeys enchanted by his designs and leather riding gear. Today, you can see details on Gucci bags that refer to these stirrups.
3- Holds a Guinness World Record
As if the biggest Italian brand in the world was missing something, Gucci also holds a Guinness record: it is the most expensive jeans in the world.
Being a recognized brand of high fashion and quality, the jeans were sold in Milan for 3,134 dollars. In this way, the brand earned its place in the famous book of world records.
4- Their Love for Cars
The brand not only limited itself to the fashion industry. It also made collaborations with different car brands. However, Gucci's main role was to give it its luxurious touch, designing interiors and accessories for different pieces.
One of the brand's best-known collaborations is the Fiat 500. In addition, Gucci has a Hot Wheels collector's car, which pays tribute to the brand on its 100th anniversary.
5- Makes Important Annual Donations
Every year since 2005, the Gucci brand has donated a percentage of its profits to UNICEF. This money goes to a program that promotes the education, health, and protection of orphaned children worldwide.
In addition, during the pandemic, Gucci has contributed one million euros to the United Nations COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. All this is in support of the World Health Organization (WHO).
6- They Have A Great Museum
You can find the Gucci museum inside the Palazzo della Mercanzia in Florence. In this space, you can visualize clothing, fashion accessories, and video installations with graphic elaborations and historical documents.
The walls are decorated by famous artists and help to create a unique ensemble with Gucci printed fabric wallpapers. Frida Giannini created the original design of the entire structure.
Also displayed are Gucci dresses worn by celebrities and original Gucci leather production through the display of old used Gucci handbags, trolleys, and suitcases. In addition, there is a sophisticated restaurant on the ground floor that everyone can visit.
7- A Famous Black Widow
Possibly the most famous black widow of the 21st century is Patrizia Reggiani, the ex-wife of Maurizio Gucci, one of Guccio Gucci's grandsons. This woman and her husband starred in an infamous story known worldwide, which was made into a movie a few years ago.
Going back to 1995, infidelity, divorce, and bankruptcy were the main ingredients that made Reggiani have her husband killed. For orchestrating this cold-blooded murder, she spent almost two decades in jail.
8- The Creators Of The Flora Print
Grace Kelly and Rodolfo Gucci (one of Guccio's sons) were mainly responsible for the famous Flora print many wears today. This idea came from Rodolfo when he saw the princess buy a handbag of his brand with a bamboo handle.
This original idea came about because Rodolfo thought he should give Kelly something as a gesture for having shopped at his store. So he commissioned renowned illustrator Vittorio Accornero to create a unique silk scarf in the star's style.
Accornero created a print containing a variety of 43 flowers, plants, and insects, all in a design encompassing nearly 40 hand-painted colors. He was inspired by Botticelli's Allegory of Spring, which depicts the nymph Chloris being reborn in a floral dress.
9- Tom Ford Helped Gucci Get Back On Its Feet
In 1994, Gucci appointed famed fashion designer and filmmaker Tom Ford as its creative director to give the company a new direction. He introduced the Halston style, skinny satin shirts, and boots with metallic finishes, among many others.
The following year, Ford invited Mario Testino to take photographs for the campaigns, significantly boosting the brand's almost bankrupt sales. By 1999, Gucci was worth around four billion dollars.
10- They Changed An Entire Collection In Just 5 Days
When Frida Giannini left Gucci unexpectedly, the brand's creative director Alessandro Michelle had to remake the men's line F/W 2015-16 in 5 days. In addition, he had to redesign the entire women's series for that season in just one month.
Conclusion
Gucci is an important fashion brand with many historical milestones, curiosities, and details that marked history for modeling and the world.
Since its beginnings, this company has made many contributions to the community, from dresses for celebrities to financial support to foundations. In addition, several films and documentaries were created from it.