subject: Gucci The Official Brand History [print this page] From a small luggage and saddler company in Florence, Gucci has developed into one of the worlds premier creators 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 Guccis product offerings expanded beyond handbags and luggage to include a very diversified range of products.
In 1947, Guccis icon product, the bamboo handle handbag, was introduced. During the 1950s 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. Sadly Guccio Gucci died in 1953 just as the company was starting to build a global presence with the opening of its first New York store.
Grace Kelly, Peter Sellers and Audrey Hepburn helped Gucci embody Hollywood chic. In 1966 Gucci created the iconic 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 1970s, becoming soon after one of the worlds 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. Guccis 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.
