GUCCI HANDBAGS - Page 2 - History
In 1953, Guccio Gucci passed away and his four sons took over running the company. It was after Guccio Gucci’s death that the House of Gucci broke the international market. Through the leadership of Aldo Gucci, the company opened satellite boutiques in London, Paris and New York.
In the late 1960s, the House of Gucci (or Gucci) was able to penetrate the Asian market when they opened stores in Hong Kong and Tokyo. It was during this period that the famous GG logo (Guccio Gucci’s initials) was developed. The 60s also ushered in the Flora silk scarf, often worn by actress Grace Kelly; and the Jackie O shoulder bag, which was made famous by the late Jackie Kennedy, wife of former US. President John F. Kennedy.
In the late 1970s, the Gucci Accessories Collection (GAC), composed of small items including make up bags, lighters, and pens were developed to increase the sales of the Gucci Parfums sector. These items, considerably more reasonably priced than the other items in their collection, were well received. Soon, the Accessories division outsold the Parfums division and brought the exclusive Gucci brand to thousands of stores in the United States. Because the Gucci name became more accessible to ordinary people, the brand suddenly lost its exclusive appeal. The name was further damaged by the proliferation of cheap fakes and replicas.
In 1989, a third generation Gucci came to the helm of the Gucci Company. Maurizio Gucci, son of Rodolfo Gucci inherited the Company from his father and immediately stated that he wanted to incorporate numerous changes in the company. He invited the celebrated Dawn Mellow to join the business as a creative director. In Gucci America, Domenico de Sole was appointed to take charge. Although designers Geoffrey Beene and Calvin Klein were already part of Gucci’s roster of designers, Dawn Mello, through the urging of his partner Richard Buckley, took in a young designer named Tom Ford. This young designer would make Gucci a byword in the fashion industry once again.
« Back to page 1 of Gucci Handbags
...click here for page 3 of Gucci Handbags »
