Gucci Authentic Bags Handbags
In 1921, Guccio Gucci opens a small luggage and saddlery company in Florence, selling exclusive leather goods created and produced by the best Florentine craftsmen. Within a few years time, the Florence shop attracted a sophisticated international clientele. This overwhelming success prompted the opening of a new shop in 1938 on Via Condotti in Rome.
In 1947, the first of Guccio Gucci' icon products, the bamboo handle handbag, is introduced. During the 1950's the trademark striped webbing, which was derived from the saddle girth, becomes a great success. The moccasin with metal bit is introduced and becomes another icon product.
Guccio Gucci dies in 1953 while the company was enjoying a period of great renown. With the opening of the New York store in 1953, Gucci starts to build a global presence.
Stores open in London, Paris and Palm Beach, bringing Guccio Gucci's success to key markets around the world. Grace Kelly, Peter Sellers and Audrey Hepburn help make Gucci synonymous with Hollywood chic. In 1966, Gucci creates the icon Flora silk scarf for Grace Kelly. Jackie Kennedy carries the shoulder bag which is known today as the "Jackie O".In the early 1980's, company leadership is passed on to Maurizio Gucci. In 1984, Domenico De Sole becomes President of Gucci America. Investcorp (a Bahrain based investment company) acquires 50% of the shares from Aldo Gucci and his sons in the late 1980's. In 1990, Tom Ford joins as Chief Women's Ready-to-Wear Designer. Maurizio Gucci sells his entire shareholding to Investcorp in 1993.
In 1994, Domenico De Sole becomes CEO of the Group NV and Tom Ford is appointed Creative Director for Gucci. In March of 1995, Tom Ford's first collection, featuring satin shirts, mohair jackets and velvet hip huggers, is a success.
In October 1995, 48.2of Gucci share capital is sold by Investcorp and Gucci is listed on the New York and Amsterdam stock exchanges. The initial public offering is highly successful. In March 1996, Investcorp sells the remaining 51of shares, transforming Gucci into a fully public company.
In 1999, Gucci enters into a strategic alliance with Pinault-Printemps-Redoute and transforms itself from a single brand company to a multi-brand group. Gucci continues to expand its global presence by opening a number of new stores worldwide. In September 2000, Gucci reopened its newly renovated Fifth Avenue Store - the largest Gucci Flagship store in the world.
After Tom Ford leaves his post in April 2004, Gucci appoints three new Creative Directors from within the company. Alessandra Facchinetti is responsible for the Women's Ready to Wear Collections, John Ray for the Men's Ready to Wear Collections, and Frida Giannini for the Accessories Collections.
In March 2005, Gucci appoints Frida Giannini as Creative Director for women's ready to wear, a role previously held by Facchinetti. Giannini continues her responsibilities for all accessories and handbag, with the new title of Creative Director of Women's Wear and handbag. John Ray remains Creative Director for men's ready to wear. Both Giannini and Ray report to Mark Lee, Gucci's President and Managing Director.
