Long before trend-bucking creative director Alessandro Michele brought his hallucinatory “Utopian Fantasy” campaign to Gucci, it was a modest Italian leather shop. Today, it’s an internationally renowned luxury house with an iconic logo, and vintage Gucci clothing, handbags and shoes are among high fashion's most covetable goods.
Guccio Gucci (1881–1953) admired the stylish suitcases he saw wealthy guests arrive with at the Savoy Hotel in London, where he worked as a bellhop. So, in 1921, after a stint at Franzi, a luggage company in his hometown of Florence, he opened a leather goods shop of his own.
At first, Gucci’s Florence business specialized in equestrian accessories. But as its reputation flourished, particularly among the English aristocracy, so too did its footprint. In 1938, he brought three of his sons — Aldo, Vasco and Rodolfo — into the business and expanded it to Rome and later Milan. In the mid-1930s, a League of Nations embargo against Italy pushed Gucci to experiment with alternatives to imported leather. Its woven hemp fabric from Naples, adorned with the brand’s signature diamond print, was a hit, especially among A-list celebrities. The material was first used on suitcases before finding enduring popularity on handbags. (No list of revered designer purses would be complete without Gucci.)
In the 1950s, Elizabeth Taylor carried one of Gucci’s bamboo-handled tote bags, another adaptation to material rationing. After Jackie Kennedy was seen sporting a slouchy Gucci tote in 1961, it was renamed for the First Lady. Then Grace Kelly, on a visit to the boutique in Milan, inspired Rodolfo Gucci to work with Italian illustrator and Gucci textile designer Vittorio Accornero on the Flora print in 1966. Taking cues from Sandro Botticelli’s Primavera, with its pattern of flora and insects, it was painted entirely by hand and featured no fewer than 37 colors.
In 1953, just 15 days after opening his first store on New York’s 5th Avenue, Guccio passed away at 72. The early 1970s saw store openings in Tokyo and Hong Kong, but by the late 1980s, Gucci was floundering. Rodolfo Gucci took charge in 1982, but family drama and lawsuits ensued. In 1993, Rodolfo’s son, Maurizio, transferred his shares in the company to Investcorp, ending the family’s involvement in Gucci. Dawn Mello, then-president of Bergdorf Goodman, joined as creative director in 1989. But it was Tom Ford, who took over as creative director in 1994, who ultimately revived the brand.
Ford’s racy ads, shot by photographers such as Mario Testino, stirred controversy. And his potent vision of sexed-up femininity — with “jewel-toned satin shirts unbuttoned to there,” as Vogue described his breakthrough 1995 runway show — was wildly successful. The new millennium brought new ownership — Pinault Printemps Redoute in 2004 — and a more toned-down vision from Frida Giannini, who became sole creative director in 2006. Alessandro Michele was named creative director in 2015, and the storied brand took a giant leap forward.
Find vintage Gucci clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
Gucci Liberty Runway Sandals 2014 Frida Giannini Suede Heels 40
By Gucci, Frida Giannini
Located in San Jose, CA
These are authentic Gucci Liberty sandals from the Fall 2014 runway collection by Frida Giannini, crafted in rich purple and black suede with a sculptura...
Gucci Tom Ford 2004 Runway Black Satin Crystal Bamboo Heels Sandals 8.5
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in San Jose, CA
Rare Gucci Tom Ford black satin strappy heels from the Spring/Summer 2004 runway collection. These vintage Gucci sandals feature crystal-studded satin straps, lace-up ankle ties and ...
Gucci Spring 2010 Runway Frida Giannini Black Cage Platform Heels 37
By Frida Giannini, Gucci
Located in San Jose, CA
Gucci by Frida Giannini black leather and suede platform cage sandals from the Spring/Summer 2010 runway collection. This dramatic archival style was featured on the Gucci SS 2010 ru...
Gucci Tom Ford Era 2004 Black Heels Sandals Gold Heel Slide Mule 6B
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in San Jose, CA
Gucci black heeled sandals with sculptural gold heel and pleated strap detail—elegant designer heels perfect for nights out, events, or elevated everyday styling. These black heels combine a sleek minimalist silhouette with a bold metallic heel that instantly stands out. Crafted in Italy, this pair features soft pleated fabric straps across the foot and an easy slip-on mule design. The sculptural gold heel adds a signature statement detail while the black color keeps them versatile and easy to style with dresses, denim, or evening looks. From the highly collectible Tom Ford era of Gucci, these heels reflect the sensual, refined aesthetic that defined early 2000s luxury fashion while still feeling modern and wearable today. STYLE DETAILS: • Gucci heeled sandals...
Gucci Tom Ford Era Satin Suede Crystal G Logo Sandals Heels Black 10.5 B
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in San Jose, CA
Authentic Gucci Tom Ford satin and suede sandals crafted in Italy featuring the iconic crystal G logo heel hardware, elegant crossover straps, and black stiletto silhouette. A rare archive design, these sophisticated heels embody the clean, sensual aesthetic that made Tom Ford's collections legendary. Beautifully constructed with luxurious black satin and suede, the sandals feature asymmetrical crossover straps, open square toes, slim stiletto heels, leather lining, and sparkling crystal Gucci G logo hardware inset into each heel. Elegant enough for evening wear while highly sought after by Gucci archive collectors. Details Gucci Tom Ford Era Made in Italy Black Satin & Suede Crystal Gucci G Heel Logo Cross Strap Design Open Toe Stiletto Heel Leather Lined Leather Sole Size 10.5 B Condition Excellent pre-owned condition with light signs of wear consistent with careful use. Minor wear to the soles and heel tips. Crystal logo hardware remains beautiful. Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the description. Keywords Gucci Tom Ford, Gucci Archive, Tom Ford Gucci, Gucci Satin Sandals, Gucci Suede Heels...
Gucci Black Strappy Heels Braided Leather Sandals 7.5 Y2K Tom Ford
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in San Jose, CA
Gucci black strappy heels with braided leather straps and a sleek high heel, perfect for nights out, parties, and dressy everyday looks. These blac...
Gucci by Frida Giannini SS2010 Black Leather & Suede Cage Heels Sandals EU 39
By Frida Giannini, Gucci
Located in Berlin, BE
Rare Gucci by Frida Giannini black leather and suede cage sandals from the Spring/Summer 2010 collection. This striking architectural design reflects the strong futuristic aesthetic...
New Versace Signature Gold Tone Medusa Black Leather High Heel Sandals 37.5 7.5
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Versace *Signature* Gold Tone Medusa Black Leather Sandals Italian size 37.5 - US 7.5 100% Leather, Gold - Tone Medusa Embellishment Throughout, Ankle Strap with Buckle Fastenin...
GUCCI Size 8.5 Black Gold Suede Patent Leather Ankle Sandals
By Gucci
Located in San Francisco, CA
GUCCI sandals in a black mixed leathers (suede, leather, and patent leather) featuring a metallic gold tone stripe detail, and back zipper closure. Note: these shoes have been resole...
NWT Versace Black Gold Studded 3 - X Platform Sandals Shoes Italian 40 - US 10
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Versace Triple Platform Studded Sandals Shoes Italian size - 40 ( US 10) Black leather sandals finished with gold-tone Medusa and metal studs. Heel height - 7 inches ( 18 cm ) ,...
LOUIS VUITTON V Symphony black suede gold hardware high heel sandals EU38
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Hong Kong, NT
LOUIS VUITTON V Symphony black suede gold hardware high heel sandals EU38 Reference: TGAS/F00285 Brand: Louis Vuitton Model: Gold V Symphony Collection: 2015 Material: Suede, Metal C...
Rene Caovilla Margot Black Suede Gold Crystals Snake Sandals EU 40 US 10
By René Caovilla
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
These Rene Caovilla Margot Sandals stand as a breathtaking monument to Italian footwear craftsmanship and fine jewelry architecture. Seamlessly fusing a dramatic, sensory silhouett...
Created during Alessandro Michele's tenure at the brand, this sparkling, whimsical minaudière feels just right for a night out.
The iconic Italian label’s traveling exhibition has just arrived in London.
