History of Gucci

From a small luggage and saddler company in Florence, Gucci has developed into one of the world’s premier providers of high quality luxury goods.

Founded in 1921, Guccio Gucci laid the foundation for this proud tradition of excellence and style by developing and nurturing relationships with the greatest Florentine craftsmen. The company grew, setting the trend for luxury goods around the world, and Gucci’s product offerings expanded beyond handbags and luggage to include a very diversified range of products.

In 1947, Gucci’s icon product, the bamboo handle handbag, was introduced. During the 1950’s the trademark green red green web, which was derived from the saddle girth, became a great success as well as the horsebit, another Gucci icon. Guccio Gucci died in 1953 while the company was enjoying a period of great renown. With the opening of the New York store in 1953, Gucci started to build a global presence.

Grace Kelly, Peter Sellers and Audrey Hepburn helped Gucci embody Hollywood chic. In 1966 Gucci created the icon Flora silk scarf for Grace Kelly. Jackie Kennedy carried the Gucci shoulder bag which is known today as the “Jackie O”. At the end of the sixties the company adopted the legendary GG logo.

Gucci took an interest in developing watches in the early 1970’s, becoming soon after one of the world’s leading manufacturers and distributors of watches.

Gucci is renowned for high quality, luxurious, exclusive and innovative luxury products, offering quality and style to an international clientele. Gucci’s watch business is in line with the overall image of the brand, mimicking the evolution of Gucci as a whole - a combination of innovative Italian design and modern styling manufactured to the reputed superior standards of Swiss watch-making craftsmanship with quality components and materials. The positioning of Gucci in the watch-making industry is a faithful reflection of these values.