Guccio Gucci, the founder of the iconic fashion label Gucci, led a colourful and dramatic life that resembled his designs. Gucci was born in Florence, Italy in 1881, the son of a leather goods maker, and he grew up surrounded by materials and tools of the trade.
Gucci left Italy in his early twenties to work as a bellboy at the Savoy Hotel in London, where he became fascinated by the wealthy guests’ luggage and leather goods. He returned to Florence and began making his leather goods to sell to horsemen and aristocrats.
Gucci opened his first shop in Florence in the 1920s, specializing in high-quality leather goods such as handbags and luggage. Gucci quickly became a success, and more stores were opened in other Italian cities.
Gucci’s personal life, on the other hand, was far from rosy. He was known as a ladies’ man, and his numerous affairs resulted in several children born out of wedlock. He also had a strained relationship with his son Aldo, who would later inherit the Gucci empire and grow it into a global fashion empire.
Gucci’s business suffered during World war II — as materials became scarce and Italy’s economy struggled. Gucci had to resort to making bags out of hemp to stay in business.
Gucci recovered from the war and started creating iconic designs that would make the company famous, such as the bamboo-handled bag and the horse-bit loafer. However, his personal life remained troubled. One of his mistresses sued him for child support, and he was eventually forced to declare bankruptcy.
Gucci died at the age of 72 in 1953, leaving a legacy of innovative design and luxurious craftsmanship. Gucci is now one of the world’s most recognizable fashion brands, known for its signature double-G logo and brilliant, colourful design.
Guccio Gucci’s creativity and determination helped shape the fashion industry as we know it today, despite his flaws and challenges, making him a true icon of style and innovation.
