The History of Gucci - Page 2
Another son of Guccio, Rodolfo, joined the company in 1951, and opened a shop in Milan In 1953 Guccio Gucci dies, and in the same year the New York store on 58 th Street opens, beginning Gucci’s expansion into the global market. The opening of the New York store, launches the Gucci brand as one of the leading pioneers of Italian design in the United States.
In the 1960’s Gucci becomes increasingly popular and famous, opening stores in Paris, London, Beverly Hills, Palm Beach, and Tokyo. Such Hollywood stars as Grace Kelly (for whom Gucci made another icon – the flora silk scarf created by Rodolfo Gucci), Peter Sellers and Audrey Hepburn made the name Gucci synonymous with “chic”. Jackie Kennedy was photographed with the Gucci shoulder bag, which is now known as the “Jackie O”. It was in this period that the company adopts the now famous “GG” logo which is created by Also, one of Guccio Gucci’s sons.
In the 1970’s the company expands into the East, opening stores in Tokyo and Hong Kong. Despite the Gucci fame and expandion, there is turmoil within the Gucci family with squabbles between the brothers and the various members. In the 1980’s the company’s leadership is passed on to Maurizio Gucci, from his brother Aldo, and in turn he sells 50% of the company S shared to an Arab company called Investcorp. In 1984, the now well known Domenico De Sole becomes the president of Gucci America.
In the 1990’s, Gucci goes through a renaissance under the designer directorship of the now famous American designer Tom Ford. With a lot of energy and a fresh approach, Gucci’s newest head executive would brings Gucci back to the center of “chic”, with his first collection in March of 1995. Tom Ford would become one of the best known fashion designers in the world. Tom Ford would leave his post in 2004 along with Domenico de Sole. After some shuffling the and the design directorship of the company now reside with Frida Giannini and John Ray.
