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 1990s Sunglasses Blue
By Gucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Get your hands on these incredible Gucci dead stock sunglasses circa 1990s! The perfect Y2K shield style sunglasses featuring cool blue lenses alongside blue detailing. These are such a classic and fun statement pair of sunglasses! Match these to your favorite Gucci handbag and pair with some Miu Miu mules...
Gucci Blue Cat Eye Sunglasses
By Gucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Snag yourself these Gucci sunnies! Circa recent 2000s, these edgy sunglasses feature a gold toned cat eye frame with blue lenses. Comes with original case. Base of arms embossed with the original interlocking GG logo. Perfect to pair with your favorite Gucci monogram or Versace street wear...
1990s Gucci Blue Tinted Shield Sunglasses
By Gucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The 1990s Gucci Blue Tinted Shield Sunglasses epitomize the era’s bold fashion statements, characterized by their striking design and iconic branding. Crafted in Italy, these avant-g...
Gucci 1990's Blue Shield Sunglasses
By Gucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Vintage Gucci at it's best! Get a piece of the iconic fashion house with these deadstock sunglasses. Adding the right accessories to an outfit can really take it from zero to hero! Try it out with these cool and edgy sunglasses. Vintage is always better as the quality of these sunglasses will last you a lifetime! These vintage 1990's Gucci sunglasses feature an oversized shield shape, rimless style, blue tinted lenses, thick blue temples, gold metal hardware, and an awesome monochromatic 'GUCCI MADE IN ITALY' plaque detailing on each side of the sunglasses. These sunglasses have been kept safe for 30 years and are in almost new condition, never worn! These would look perfect dressed up for drinks with friends or throw them on with a t-shirt and jeans to elevate the look. Try styling these vintage Gucci with some Versace leather pants...
New Vintage Gucci GG1616/S Sunglasses Y2K 1990's Made in Italy Y2K
By Gucci
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Vintage Gucci Y2K Sleek Grey And Silver Frame Sunglasses. New Never Worn Or Displayed. This Item Show Sign Of Wear On The Lenses Due To Nearly 30 Years Of Storage. Made In Italy...
Gucci Vintage 1990's Metal-Framed Square Sunglasses
By Gucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Vintage Gucci at it's best! Get a piece of the iconic fashion house with these deadstock sunglasses. Adding the right accessories to an outfit can really take it from zero to hero! Try it out with these cool and edgy sunglasses. Vintage is always better as the quality of these sunglasses will last you a lifetime! These vintage 1990's Gucci sunglasses feature a boxy and square shape, metal-framed style, clear lenses, a beautiful silver thin metal temples, and an awesome monochromatic 'GUCCI' embossed detailing on each side of the sunglasses and unique plaque branding on the front. These sunglasses have been kept safe for 30 years and are in almost new condition, never worn! These would look perfect dressed up for drinks with friends or throw them on with a t-shirt and jeans to elevate the look. Try styling these vintage Gucci with some Versace leather pants...
Gucci by Tom Ford 90s Sunglasses
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige
Gucci square 90s sunglasses, shiny gold frame and green tone lens. Condition: Excellent. Packing/accessories: Case.
New Vintage Gucci GG 1194/N/S Blue Screen Sunglasses 1990's Made in Italy Y2K
By Gucci
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Vintage Gucci Screen Y2K Blue Mono Lens Sunglasses. New Never Worn Or Displayed. This Item Show Minor Sign Of Wear On The Lenses Due To Nearly 30 Years Of Storage. Made In Ital...
1990s Gucci Gradient Blue Tinted Frameless Rectangular Lens Sunglasses
By Gucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The 1990s Gucci Gradient Blue Tinted Frameless Rectangular Lens Sunglasses are a quintessential accessory that exudes sophistication and timeless style. Crafted with precision, these...
Gucci Square Sunglasses
By Gucci
Located in London, GB
Gucci Square Sunglasses Thick black acetate framed sunglasses with grey lenses. Featuring gold 'Gucci' signature to the arms, 100% UV protection. Rrp Approx. £500 Size – One Size...
Dolce & Gabbana, Vintage blue sunglasses
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Dolce & Gabbana, Vintage blue sunglasses. The item is in good condition.
Gucci, GG0241S sunglasses in black
By Gucci
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gucci, GG0241S sunglasses in black. The item is in very good condition and comes with case, dustbag and dust cloth.
Gucci, Black futuristic sunglasses
By Gucci
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gucci, Black futuristic sunglasses. This item has been worn little and is in very good condition. Comes without the box. As seen on Lady Gaga.
Gucci, oversized sunglasses with webbing
By Gucci
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gucci, oversized sunglasses with webbing on the temples. The item has scratches on the frame and a few very small hairline scratches on the lens. Overall in good to very condition.
Prada, rimless metal and plastic sunglasses
By Prada
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Prada, rimless metal and plastic sunglasses. The item is in good condition.
Givenchy, Black GV 7145S sunglasses
By Givenchy
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Givenchy, Black GV 7145S sunglasses. The item is in very good condition and comes with case and dust cloth.
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.
