GUCCI

When you think of Gucci, you might envision an older lady with her leather handbag or a young person sporting a Gucci PSG tracksuit and waist bag. For being an exclusive brand, it's present everywhere, even in the film industry, and that's because its history is filled with betrayals, power struggles, and assassins. This is the fascinating and turbulent story of the house of Gucci.

In 1881, in the city of Florence, Guccio Gucci was born as Guion Batista and Jacinto Darío María Gucci. His father was a humble leather craftsman working in the industrial district of the city. Guccio was born in a time of poverty in Italy, exactly one year before Carlo Ponzi, a man who would be remembered as one of the greatest swindlers in history. While Carlo, coming from an aristocratic family, attended university in Rome, Gucci had to leave his family and country to travel to London in search of a better life. At the age of 17, he arrived in the British capital and found work at the Savoy Hotel.

As seen in the images, the Savoy Hotel is no ordinary hotel; it is a luxury building, and back in those days, it was also considered as such. Guccio started as a dishwasher and gradually worked his way up, from waiter to bellboy and finally to elevator operator. In the elevator, he spent hours in contact with British high society, observing their fashion styles and sophisticated accessories such as handbags and suitcases, many of which were created by luxury companies like H.J. Cave & Sons in London. Gucci began to understand that for the British high society, accessories were much more than mere complements. A suitcase, for example, beyond its utility for carrying clothes, could also be a status symbol when it came to a luxury suitcase.

When he returned to Florence, Gucci worked for Valeria Francy, a manufacturer of leather handbags and suitcases, where he acquired the necessary knowledge for his next stage. One day, while strolling along Via de' Tornabuoni with his wife, he noticed a small rented shop. Encouraged by his wife, Guccio decided to open his first store. He called it "Guccio e Figlio," which would later become "Casa Gucci," and eventually simply "Gucci." The store opened in 1921 and quickly stood out for offering high-quality leather products at affordable prices. It offered handbags, trunks, shoes, belts, and gloves. According to family accounts, Gucci came from a lineage of craftsmen who made horse saddles for nobles and aristocrats, which is why they decided to use the horse as a symbol of the brand.

Gucci's popularity grew rapidly, and the brand became a benchmark in the luxury industry. In the 1930s, Guccio Gucci decided to open a second store in Rome, and in 1951, he inaugurated a third store in Milan. The family business was booming, and Guccio's sons, Aldo, Vasco, Ugo, and Rodolfo, became involved in the business. Together, they expanded the brand internationally, opening stores in New York and Paris.

However, the Gucci family began to be affected by internal conflicts and rivalries. In 1983, Rodolfo Gucci, Guccio's grandson, passed away, leaving his share of the company in the hands of his son Maurizio. This situation led to legal disputes and a division within the family. Eventually, Maurizio sold the company to a group of Arab investors, which resulted in a decline in product quality and a loss of exclusivity for the brand.

Gucci's turbulent history continued with power struggles, lawsuits, and family scandals. In 1995, Maurizio Gucci was murdered in Milan by a hitman hired by his ex-wife, Patrizia Reggiani. Patrizia was convicted of the murder and earned the nickname "The Black Widow." These events inspired the film "Gucci: The Murderous Fashion," directed by Ridley Scott and starring Lady Gaga.

Despite the ups and downs and family problems, Gucci has managed to reinvent itself and regain its position as one of the most recognized luxury brands in the world. Today, the company is led by Alessandro Michele, who has taken the brand to new heights with his creative and bold vision. Gucci designs are known for their extravagance and eclecticism, combining classic elements with modern touches.

In summary, Gucci's history is a rollercoaster of successes and tragedies, betrayals and redemptions. From its humble beginnings in Florence to becoming a symbol of luxury and status, the brand has left an indelible mark on the fashion industry. Despite the obstacles, Gucci has demonstrated its adaptability and resilience, remaining one of the most iconic and coveted brands in the world.