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 Size 34 Blue Multi-Color Embroidery Denim Straight Jeans
By Gucci
Located in San Francisco, CA
GUCCI jeans comes in a blue denim featuring a tapered leg, angry cat patch design, contrast stitching, and a button fly closure. Made in Italy. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marke...
Gucci Fly Embroidered Flared Cotton Jeans IT 28
By Gucci
Located in Brossard, QC
Featuring a waistband with belt loops, a button and zip fly, a five pocket design and a leather brand patch to the rear, these embroidered flared denim jeans are made in Italy. Contr...
F/W 1999 Gucci by Tom Ford Pink Floral Embroidery Dark Wash Denim Jeans IT40
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gucci’s Fall/Winter 1999 collection by Tom Ford, these dark wash denim jeans feature intricate pink floral embroidery throughout. Originally debuting on the menswear runway, thi...
$2,485
Size: IT 40 - FR 36 - UK 8 - US 4
Gucci by Tom Ford denim jeans with floral embroidery, fw 1999
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in London, GB
Gucci by Tom Ford denim jeans with floral embroidery Fall-winter 1999 Measurements: Waist 28/29" Inside leg 33" Cuff width 8.7"
F/W 1999 Gucci by Tom Ford Purple Floral Embroidered Denim Jeans IT40
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gucci’s Fall/Winter 1999 collection by Tom Ford, these dark wash denim jeans feature intricate purple floral embroidery throughout. Originally debuting on the menswear runway, t...
Versace Jeans Couture Floral Embroidered Jeans
By Versace Jeans Couture
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Don't miss out on the chance to get a beautifully detailed pair of Versace Jeans Couture. These feature intricate floral and letter embroidering in a beautiful color combo of purple,...
Medium Wash & Multicolor Dolce & Gabbana Embroidered Distressed Jeans
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in New York, NY
Medium wash denim and multicolor tropical motif embroidered distressed jeans by Dolce & Gabbana. Stud trim at waistband. Five pockets. Zip and button closures at front. 30" wais...
Gucci by Frida Giannini 2008 Tattoo Printed White Denim Logo Jeans
By Gucci
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fashion History: Designed during Frida Giannini's tenure as Creative Director, these Gucci jeans date to 2008 and reflect one of the house's more playful eras. Giannini was known for reinterpreting Gucci's rich heritage through vintage-inspired graphics, Italian travel culture, and romantic archival motifs. The allover print combines nautical symbols, mermaids, florals, swallows, stars, and Gucci logos into a whimsical illustration that evokes the carefree glamour of an Italian seaside holiday. While the exact print has not been identified with a documented runway look, it is a wonderful example of Gucci's imaginative printed denim from the late 2000s and showcases the house's exceptional craftsmanship and storytelling during the Frida Giannini era. Design Details: In a white denim base, these straight-leg jeans feature an allover illustrated print inspired by vintage postcards and seaside tattoos. The playful artwork combines Gucci script logos with mermaids, hibiscus flowers, swallows, nautical stars, anchors, shells, roses, and "Beach" typography, creating a vibrant collage that wraps seamlessly around the garment. Finished with classic five-pocket styling, antiqued logo hardware, contrast topstitching, and a tan leather Gucci back patch, these jeans balance timeless denim construction with statement-making Italian design. How to Wear: These playful printed jeans are an iconic addition to your denim collection. Easily worn with a vintage tee and a pair of ballet flats, this comfortable, effortless look is something you can pull off anytime you want a touch of novelty. Wear them around town, to work, to a show, or out for drinks. This almost-vintage piece is a true collector's item for print lovers. Construction Details: Straight-leg silhouette Mid-rise waist Allover archival-inspired Gucci beach...
Alexander McQueen Rare New with Tags Embroidered Split Hem Jeans SS 1999
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
Incredible embroidered blue jeans by Alexander McQueen from one of his early notable early collections. They are mid rise with straight legs an...
Dolce & Gabbana Denim Flowers Jeans
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in New York, NY
Brand new Dolce & Gabbana Denim Cotton Flowers Jeans. Size 36. Fits Small size. Brand new with tag. 98% cotton.
STELLA MCCARTNEY 2014 red floral leopard applique patch jeans 25"
By Stella McCartney
Located in Hong Kong, NT
STELLA MCCARTNEY 2014 red floral leopard applique patch jeans 25" Reference: MECG/A00109 Brand: Stella McCartney Designer: Stella McCartney Collection: 2014 Material: Cotton, Blend C...
GUCCI 2017 Alessandro Michele gold floral velvet straight pants IT38 XS
By Gucci, Alessandro Michele
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GUCCI 2017 Alessandro Michele gold floral velvet straight pants IT38 XS Reference: MECG/A00122 Brand: Gucci Designer: Alessandro Michele Collection: 2017 Fall Winter - Runway Materi...
GUCCI blue cotton blend signature green red web trim straight leg jeans 31"
By Gucci, Alessandro Michele
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GUCCI blue cotton blend signature green red web trim straight leg jeans 31 Reference: TGAS/F00114 Brand: Gucci Designer: Alessandro Michele Material: Cotton, Blend Color: Blue, Red P...
PRADA 2017 Runway red beaded floral embellishment straight leg cropped jeans 25"
By Prada, Miuccia Prada
Located in Hong Kong, NT
PRADA 2017 Runway red beaded floral embellishment straight leg cropped jeans 25" Reference: TGAS/F00224 Brand: Prada Designer: Miuccia Prada Collection: 2017 - Runway Material: Cotto...
GUCCI Alessandro Michele 2017 navy bee embroidered flared pants IT38 XS
By Gucci, Alessandro Michele
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GUCCI Alessandro Michele 2017 navy bee embroidered flared pants IT38 XS Reference: GEGG/A00019 Brand: Gucci Designer: Alessandro Michele Collection: 2017 Material: Wool, Silk Color: ...
JOHN GALLIANO black cotton floral fringe embellished bootcut jeans FR46 S
By John Galliano
Located in Hong Kong, NT
JOHN GALLIANO black cotton floral fringe embellished bootcut jeans FR46 S Reference: SYYG/A00019 Brand: John Galliano Material: Cotton, Blend Color: Black Pattern: Embellishments Clo...
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.
